Vernacular Architecture
History of Thatch
“The built vernacular heritage occupies a central place in the affection and pride in all people... it appears informal, but nevertheless orderly. It is utilitarian and at the same time possesses remarkable beauty. It is a focus of contemporary life and at the same time a record of history of society. It would be unworthy of the heritage of man if care is not taken to conserve these traditional harmonies which constitute the core of mans own existence.
Thatching is one of the greatest symbols of vernacular architecture in Ireland. It has been around since prehistoric times. A thatched roof was a key part of vernacular architecture and was a key to providing shelter and protection cheaply. Thatched houses were usually built by a tradesman from the locality. They used whatever materials could be sourced locally. The building types were usually small in size (one room deep), simple in design (usually rectangular) and consisted mainly of local materials (mud walls, thatch roof).
The availability of building materials was the biggest influence in choice as part originator of the thatch. Before the introduction of modern transport such as the railway and lorry, there was no choice only to use local materials. Transportation of heavy loads was not possible and if so was out of the resources of the ordinary man who would need to pay for materials, transport and then employ a skilled tradesman to use such materials to construct a dwelling.
From readings and research there is no doubt that the thatch was a sign of poverty in Ireland. Landlords lived under slated and tiled roofs while the pheasants occupied a thatch house. It may be the label that went with a thatched roof that caused thatch to demise when such materials as slate became easily available. People may have been ashamed of their homes and the associated labels that were tagged. So when the time came and modern materials became easily attainable they had no hesitations in abandoning their thatch.