Monthly Update - January 2024
Watching the Black barn being rethatched over the last 6 weeks has been an amazing privilege. I know that when it was first thatched in 1998 we got rid of the rusty corrugated iron roof, restored rotten oak beams and replaced the chalk floor, BUT this time we were able to watch Jason with his son Scott, Richard and Dan. Two of them remembered doing the work for us the first time, but Scott had only just been born.
The straw that is used for a thatched roof is bundles of triticale, a cross between rye and wheat, noted for its length and strong stem, and grown organically. The triticale is harvested with a combine using a stripper header. Three men thatched the front of the Barn, using long ladders. They carried bundles of straw in one arm, gradually putting another coat over the old thatch, bit by bit, day after day. The weather was bad and yet they carried on, despite the exposed surface of the roof, determined to finish by Christmas. A bundle is held on with a spar, a length of straight hazel split and pointed at both ends and then twisted in the middle to hold the straw, rather like a hair grip. When it comes to the ridge a thick straw rope is made first. This is then covered with wetted straw so that it does not break, and folded over with many layers. Next it is held in place by more substantial lengths of split hazel fixed with spars.
To finish the roof the coat is dressed to make sure it is even, and swept hard with a stiff broom. Then the vital part; the roof is covered with wire to stop birds and rats finding it a warm, secure place to make a home. Most of the grain has been removed from the straw, but anything left is quite tasty.
The art of thatching has been passed down from generation to generation, using the same tools and materials, going back centuries. Today a hand-held hedge cutter comes in handy, replacing hand shears when cleaning off the eaves. But what an opportunity it has been to watch craftsmen producing a thatch which has to keep the rain out for around a quarter of a century. And it really does look stunning. Thanks to the team who did the work and all those who supported with the cash needed to preserve the Black Barn at Rushall Manor in this Area of Outstanding Beauty the Pang Valley.
