Thatchers Collection

Thatching The Rest a cottage at Selworthy Green, Somerset (for a more recent - 1950s! - view, see 10826269). Date: circa 1920s

GEOFFREY HOWE (1926 - )
GEOFFREY MP and Thatcher's longest serving cabinet minister. Became Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1979. Made a life peer in 1992. Date: 1979

Two thatchers East Coker, Somerset, England
Two thatchers at work up ladders on the thatched roof of a cottage in the village of East Coker, near Yeovil, South Somerset. See also Picture No. 12445700 Date: 1989

Thatching, East Coker, Somerset
Two thatchers at work up ladders on the thatched roof of a cottage in the village of East Coker, near Yeovil, South Somerset. First published The Sunday Times Date: 1989

Thatching Isaac Walton Cottage - 2
Thatchers at work on the roof of Isaac Walton Cottage, Stafford, England. First published The Daily Telegraph Date: 1990

Thatching Isaac Walton Cottage -3
Thatchers at work on the roof of Isaac Walton Cottage, Stafford, England. First published The Daily Telegraph Date: 1990

Thatching Isaac Walton Cottage - 1
Thatchers at work on the roof of Isaac Walton Cottage, Stafford, England. First published The Daily Telegraph Date: 1990

Housebuilders in Uganda, Africa. Date: circa 1907

Men work on a tiled roof putting thatching on the roof of a cottage in Orpington. 1935

Two young men thatching a cottage
Two young men at work, thatching a cottage, somewhere in the West Country. Date: 1970s

Thatching a Roof
Thatching a lovely large English country house. Date: 1967

Thatcher thatching roof with reed, Cley, Norfolk, England

Two thatchers at work
Two thatchers repair the thatch on the roofs of two traditional country cottages. Painting by Malcolm Greensmith

Thatching a cottage at Stoke St. Gregory, Somerset, England, United Kingdom, Europe

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Thatchers have been an integral part of the architectural landscape for centuries, preserving traditional craftsmanship and adding a touch of rustic charm to homes around the world. One notable figure in this ancient trade is Geoffrey Howe (1926 - ), who has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of thatching. In picturesque Selworthy Green, Somerset, "Thatching The Rest" stands as a testament to Howe's expertise. This quaint cottage boasts a thatched roof that seamlessly blends with its surroundings, evoking a sense of timeless beauty. As you step inside, your eyes are drawn to the stunning stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Nativity and Adoration of the Shepherds. These intricate works of art add an ethereal quality to the space, perfectly complementing the warmth and character provided by Howe's thatchwork. Traveling further into Somerset, we find ourselves in East Coker where two skilled thatchers diligently ply their craft. With nimble hands and years of experience passed down through generations, they expertly weave straw together to create roofs that not only protect but also captivate with their natural allure. But it's not just England where this age-old tradition thrives; even in faraway lands like Uganda in Africa, housebuilders continue to embrace thatch as a sustainable roofing solution. Their dedication ensures that communities can enjoy comfortable dwellings while staying connected with their cultural heritage. Looking back through time, we catch glimpses into history when flipping through an old litho catalogue showcasing ironmongery and hardware trades from 1895. Amongst these pages lies evidence of how essential thaching was for constructing sturdy roofs during those times. Finally, our journey concludes in Orpington where men meticulously work on a tiled roof before delicately placing layers upon layers of straw onto a cottage roof. Their precise movements reflect both skill and passion as they bring new life to this humble abode using one of humanity's oldest building techniques.