\paperw5085 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs22 Thatching has been a traditional type of roof covering since Saxon times at least, and in recent years has been enjoy
ing a quiet revival. In ShakespeareÆs day it was extremely common both in town and country. Bundles of reeds or straw, known as yealms, \ATXnt901 are laid and fastened to\ATXnt0 the roof in several layers so that water cannot penetrate the thatch. A
generous overhang ensures that any rain falls well clear of the house. Quite elaborate patterns can be created by a skilled thatcher, especially along the ridge of the roof where it is possible to create figures similar to those found in topiary. The b
est quality thatch is made of reed from Norfolk or Somerset.\par
