Soulbury, Buckinghamshire circa 1900.
Thatching
Master Thatchers
What does the Title ‘Master Thatcher’ actually mean?
You may have the perception that master thatcher is a title awarded on merit of high achievement. You may understandably think that only the worthy would be permitted to hold such a title. But you may just as well believe in leprechauns and fairies at the bottom of your cottage garden.
Unfortunately anyone can call themselves a Master Thatcher, anyone. There are no formal examinations, no qualifications, no certifications, no regulations, no legal definitions of Master Thatcher.
Traditionally the term master i.e: Master Mason, Master Carpenter etc. applied to the head craftsman / employer in charge of, and responsible for, those subordinate to him; apprentices and journeymen. The role of the master craftsman was to ensure that those in his charge carried out their work correctly, and to the satisfaction of those overseeing the project.
Family craftsmen such as blacksmiths and thatchers would not have been considered masters. They would have been locally established craftsmen, and known for their level of expertise.
It was not until the establishment of regional Master Thatchers Associations, organised by the then Rural Industries Bureau, that the term Master was generally applied to thatchers.
I now personally dislike having to use the title Master Thatcher because it has come to be used by all; from the atrociously bad, the basically capable, to the very best.
You would therefore be wise not to make a judgement solely on face value of perceived ability, and look past the banner headline of Master Thatcher.
How then to proceed?
Take the time to check your potential thatchers out, look closely at their past work and compare it to that of others. Insist on comprehensive, and detailed written specifications for work tendered.
If you are concerned about obtaining sound craftsmanship, you will have to take the time to check-out your thatcher thoroughly. There are as many different levels of experience and ability amongst thatchers as there are shades of grey.
There are no authority approved thatchers out there, because there is no regulatory structure of approval.
And I must add, there is no such thing as a cheap job, if what you get is shoddy workmanship that does not last.
