In the 18th and 19th centuries, thatching was the most common form of roof covering across Wales, especially in rural areas, where the craft was passed down through generations. Roofs were typically steeply pitched to shed rainwater effectively, and the thatch—usually made from locally sourced straw, rushes, or other plant materials—was secured using hazel spars or ropes made from plant fibres. Regional variations in thatching styles developed, influenced by the local availability of materials and the environmental needs of each area.
By the mid-20th century, the widespread adoption of more durable, readily available, and lower-maintenance materials—such as slate and corrugated iron—led to a sharp decline in thatching. Economic changes, rural depopulation, and the loss of skilled labour following the First World War all contributed to this decline. In addition, modernisation in agriculture, including the introduction of short-stemmed wheat varieties and combined harvesters, reduced the availability of suitable thatching materials.
Today, only a small number of thatched cottages remain in Wales, but efforts by dedicated craftspeople continue to preserve and restore this distinctive element of Welsh vernacular architecture.
The techniques used in Welsh vernacular thatching overlap with other forms of thatching but there are some characteristics that are typical to Wales:
Base coats were made from a wide range of materials, including heather, bracken, turf, rushes, sedge, and often the by-products of cereal threshing. When examined, these layers offer a unique glimpse into historical farming practices. The remnants of seeds, flowers, insect remains, and pollen preserved in the thatch provide insight into the types of crops once grown—often varieties well suited to the local soil and climate. This field of study is known as archaeobotany, and in many ways, base coats act as a kind of time capsule.
The base coats were commonly secured using handmade straw ropes or cordage crafted from local plant fibres. Unfortunately, many historic roofs have been stripped back and the original base coats replaced with modern materials that lack the deep, symbiotic relationship between food production and shelter that traditional materials embodied.
Recognising the loss of genetic diversity and local, climate-resilient cereal varieties is essential—not just for understanding our architectural heritage, but also for addressing broader concerns about biodiversity and food security today.
There would have been many variations in thatch across Wales. The loss of most thatched roofs has meant that many of the local and regional variations have been lost or Anglicised as the skills and knowledge of the Welsh techniques have diminished.
It is also the case that skills and techniques were not confined to regional or country borders, they would have evolved to suit the location and the locally available materials. For example, a roof in the Vale of Glamorgan would probably have more in common with a Devon roof than a North Wales roof.
Loss of skills: One of the most significant challenges is the decline in skilled thatchers. As the traditional craft has faded, fewer apprentices are entering the field, and many experienced thatchers are retiring. This creates a shortage of qualified professionals to repair and maintain traditional thatched roofs, threatening the survival of the historic arm of the craft.
Lack of training opportunities: There are very few options for gaining training or experience in Welsh thatching. This is compounded by the logistical and financial challenges of finding suitable roofs to work on.
Lack of understanding of variations of vernacular styles: Many thatched roofs are becoming homogenised in Wales and more similar to English styles of thatch. It is also often the case that traditional base coats are stripped off rather than retaining the traditional materials.
Availability of raw materials: The cost of materials used for thatching, such as water reed, straw, etc. has risen in recent years. In addition, sourcing high-quality, locally available materials has become more difficult, with some materials requiring importation. The availability of these traditional materials is being further restricted due to land use changes and the decline in traditional farming practices. Other lesser known materials such as rushes, sedges, broom and marram grass can be difficult to source due to restrictions on harvesting wild materials and environmental concerns.
Longevity of vernacular thatch: traditional thatch tends to have a shorter lifespan than modern thatch and has to be replaced more frequently. Many home owners will make a pragmatic, financial decision to replace it with something longer lasting and more cost effective providing the building is not listed.
Weather and climate change: The increasingly wet and unpredictable climate of Wales poses a challenge to the longevity and durability of thatched roofs. While thatch is naturally water-resistant, prolonged rainfall and stormy weather can cause thatch to degrade faster, leading to the need for more frequent repairs. Climate change is likely to exacerbate these problems, creating more extreme weather events that may damage thatched roofs more quickly.
Lack of funding for heritage buildings: While there is significant interest in preserving historical thatched buildings, restoring and maintaining heritage thatch can be a complex and expensive process. In some cases, there is a lack of funding or support for restoration projects, which can result in thatched buildings falling into disrepair. Many historic properties in Wales with thatched roofs require specialist care to ensure the work is done correctly, respecting traditional methods.
Lack of Public Awareness and Understanding: There is sometimes a lack of awareness and understanding among the public about the importance and value of thatched roofs in Welsh heritage. This can lead to a lack of interest in preserving and maintaining these traditional roofs. Without strong support from communities and heritage organisations, thatching risks being overlooked as a vital part of Wales’ cultural and architectural history.
Environmental and Conservation Factors: While thatch is a sustainable material, environmental regulations and modern conservation practices sometimes hinder its use. For example, in certain areas, the cutting and use of materials like reed or rushes are regulated, or certain wildlife protections may restrict their harvesting. This can make it difficult to source the necessary materials while still complying with modern environmental laws.
There is no formal training in Welsh Thatching available. However, Alan Jones is prepared to train apprentices if funding and a suitable curriculum were available.
Pembrokeshire Thatch and Carpentry Services History of Thatched Roofs
https://thatchinginfo.com/thatching-in-the-counties-of-northern-wales/
https://thatchinginfo.com/thatching-in-pembrokeshire-cardiganshire-and-carmarthenshire/
Hughes, E. (2013). Traditional Welsh Buildings: A Guide to the Vernacular Architecture of Wales. University of Wales Press.
Rowlands, M. (2002). Vernacular Architecture in Wales: The Building Tradition of Wales. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.
Jenkins, G. (2010). The Welsh Cottage: Its Traditional Construction and Character. Gwasg Gomer Press.
Shaw, M. (1996). Thatching: An Introduction to the Craft. Shire Publications.
