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Roof coverings
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Rushes, grass sods
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Wet thatching with wheaten straw….
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Layers of threshed straw ‘degged’ with water and
compressed then stripped
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Process repeated over 2-3 months
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“The straw was almost black, slippery as a snig (an eel)”
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Thatch placed in layers till a foot thick - the slimy
condition helping to adhere layers – then combed and
secure with withy-wands
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The ridge was formed of puddled clay; gables were
topped with parapets
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Common replacements with corrugated sheeting
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Later use of tiles and slate