Archaeology

The traditional technique of overcoating in Britain, rather than stripping, has had some very valuable consequences. It means that old phases of thatching often survive below the most recent overcoat. Old thatch, some of it dating back to as early as the 14th century, is an immensely interesting and precious archaeological resource.

It is of international interest in the field of archaeobotany as crops grown over the last 600 years. It also contains evidence of old thatching techniques and methods.

Some roofs preserve thatch that pre-dates the introduction of chimneys and first floors into houses. This thatch is usually pre-1550 and is smoke-blackened from an open hearth fire on the floor in the open hall. Smoke-blackened thatch is a rare and very important survival. There are at least 180 known examples of it in Devon and undoubtedly more to be discovered.

In some cases this early thatch was laid with an eye to decorative effect when seen from the underside, the neatly-laid straw, the ties round the rafters and the battens forming a simple repeat pattern. Parts of the roof that were not above the open hall may have thatch that is equally early and interesting, but not smoke-blackened.