Thatching with Norfolk reed working on an old Cottage in Trunch Village Norfolk UK


Thatch is a traditional material that has been used for roofing in Norfolk since prehistory. Whereas in some parts of the country straw was used for thatch, the extensive reed beds of East Anglia gave our ancestors access to a much more durable, locally grown material. To this day most of the reed that is cut and bundled up in Norfolk is sold to thatchers. Quality reed for thatching comes from reed beds which are cut every year or every two years. This is known as ‘single wale’ or double wale’ reed.


Size: 4968px × 3309px
Location: Norfolk England UK
Photo credit: © Ernie Janes / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: autumn, bundles, countryside, craft, harvested, high, locally, marshes, men, reed, reedbeds, roof, roofing, rural, skill, sourced, tools, village, work, working