Smoke-Blackened Thatch

Assesses the archaeobotanical significance of late Medieval smoke-blackened thatch – the best preserved source of medieval plant remains discovered so far. Also reveals many of the techniques that have helped thatch roofs survive for over 500 years.

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This publication assesses the archaeobotanical significance of late medieval Smoke Blackened Thatch (SBT) - the best preserved source of medieval plant remains so far discovered. Over 300 examples have been identified in Southern England, providing researchers with their first opportunity to examine whole-plant specimens of medieval cereals, legumes and crop weeds, many of which are proving to be rare or extinct in Britain. The report provides the historical and botanical background of the wild an cultivated material that were used for thatching in the past. It also reveals many of the techniques that have helped thatched roofs survive for over 500 years. These findings have direct implications for archaeology, building conservation, modern thatching and agricultural botany - a significance reflected in joint publication by English Heritage and The University of Reading.