• Thatch in England
• How Thatch Works
• Local Tradition
• Combed Wheat Reed
• Water Reed
• Fixing
• Re-thatching
• Ridges
• Flush Ridges
• Block-cut Ridges
• Ridge Ornaments
• Eaves & Gables
• Dormers
• Netting
• Chimneys
• Quality Thatchers
• Archaeology
• Listed Buildings
• Thatch Life-span
• Fire Precautions
• Thatch on New Buildings

Ridge Ornaments

Thatch ornaments - pheasants, owls, etc, on the ridge are almost certainly present in Britain no earlier than the 20th century. None have been noted on the early photographs of British buildings.

Many stories have been born as to why thatch ornaments were placed on the roof in the past, Including to "ward of evil spirits" and also to "let other tradesman know that the thatcher had a particular problem getting the money from the owners of the thatched house".

There is no hard evidence to back these stories up.