The thatched roofs in particular fascinated me. I had never seen them other than in photos, or nostalgic Thomas Kinkade paintings. Many thatched-roof homes are remnants of the 19th century or they even go as far back as the 16th century. There are approximately 60,000 thatched roofs in the UK. When a roof has been professionally thatched, it should last between 40 and 50 years. The roof ridge, however, has to be replaced roughly every eight to ten years. I took some close-up roof photos so you can see the layers of straw in the thatching and the chicken wire mesh covering the top. The chicken wire is used to discourage mice, squirrels and birds (especially crows) from eating, destroying, or flying off with the straw. So interesting!
Info from:
britishheritage.com
insurancechoice.uk