History takes shape
9:50am Thursday 3rd February 2011
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WORK has begun to re-thatch three historic cottages in Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea.
Little Coopers, Blunts and Holly cottages, which date back to the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries respectively, are getting new thatched roofs which should last them 20 years.
The cottages, in the park, off Pitsea Hall Lane, are a popular attraction for visitors and are used by the park’s education team for learning activities and special events.
Although all three Grade II listed cottages are important, Little Cooper’s Cottage is believed to be the only example of its type left in the entire country.
The last time they were thatched was in 1991 and the work is expected to take three weeks, funded by the Heritage Improvement Project. Hockley-based family firm, Shelley Master Thatchers, which
been thatching in Essex since 1807, is carrying out the work Kevin Blake, Basildon councillor responsible for leisure and arts, said: “The work being done
will help to maintain the long-term future of these historical cottages.
“It’s great we are able to use a local thatcher to do the work and I would encourage anyone interested in the cottages or how they are being thatched to come along to Wat Tyler and find out more.”
The UK has more thatched houses than any other country in Europe, with over 100,000 thatched roofs.
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