thatcher

Thatcher is the occupation of a person who makes or repairs thatched roofs, using materials such as straw, water reed, or other vegetation. Thatching is a traditional craft in parts of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other regions with historic vernacular architecture. A thatcher prepares the roof framework, lays the thatch in overlapping layers, and secures it with cords, spars, and knots. The work is skilled and often seasonal, with techniques and materials varying by region. Thatched roofs require regular maintenance and periodic re-thatching, the frequency of which depends on climate, material, and workmanship.

Materials commonly used include straw (longstraw or combed wheat straw), water reed, and rushes, chosen for their durability and water-shedding properties. Thatched roofs provide insulation and a distinctive aesthetic, but are vulnerable to weather, pests, and fire, necessitating protective measures and careful upkeep. In some areas, thatching remains a living craft, taught through guilds, apprenticeships, or workshops, and preserved in buildings of historical or architectural interest.

Etymology and usage: Thatcher derives from the occupational term thatcher, an English word for someone who covers roofs with thatch. As a surname, Thatcher is of English origin and originated from the same trade, later becoming a family name adopted by descendants. In modern contexts, the term can refer to the craft itself or to individuals bearing the surname.

Notable bearer: The best-known person associated with the surname is Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013), who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990.