Thatchers working on Beachamwell Church after fire

St Mary's at Beachamwell, near Swaffham, was devastated by fire in February, 2022.

Its rare thatched roof - one of few to remain in the region - was totally destroyed. 

The scene after the fire at Beachamwell Church (Image: PA)

Roof trusses being replaced at the church (Image: Chris Bishop)

A giant crane moved in to replace the roof trusses on the building, which is believed to date back to early Norman times last month.

Now its crowning glory of reeds is being replaced - by the grandson of the craftsman who last re-thatched it in 1897.

Thatcher Jamie Lloyd at the church at Beachamwell (Image: Chris Bishop)

The thatched roof of the church at Beachamwell is being replaced (Image: Chris Bishop)

Jamie Lloyd, who runs the Hingham-based Anglia Thatching Company, is the third generation of his family to take up the craft.

After three weeks' work on St Mary's with his brother Tom and fellow thatcher Miles Gray, he said the end was in sight.

Jamie Lloyd at work on the roof of the church at Beachamwell (Image: Chris Bishop)

Thatchers at work on the roof of the church at Beachamwell (Image: Chris Bishop)

"We should be done next week, it's just gone perfect," he said.

Mr Lloyd reckons by then, the trio will have got through 2,000 bundles of reed, each thrown up from the ground to the scaffolding above by hand.

Jamie Lloyd throws a bundle of reed up to Miles Gray (Image: Chris Bishop)

Jamie Lloyd throws a bundle of reed up to Miles Gray (Image: Chris Bishop)

He said instead of Norfolk reed, which would once have been the thatcher's go-to material, loss of reedbeds and management of those that remain by conservation groups means he has to look to Hungary for supplies.

Thatchers are also in short supply these days. Mr Lloyd, who learned his craft 30 years ago, said his business had a three-year waiting list and struggled to recruit.

Thatcher Jamie Lloyd at the church at Beachamwell (Image: Chris Bishop)

"I've never known a time when the demand has been so high," he said. "I'm actively seeking labourers and apprentices.

"They don't stick it out, they get an inside job instead. Getting someone to commit to a traditional craft is getting harder and harder.

Thatchers at work on the roof of the church at Beachmwell (Image: Chris Bishop)

"It's not romantic, it's physically demanding but it's a way of life for us and I love it."

Once the thatch has been ridged, the next step is the final layer with a decorative flourish.

Mr Lloyd reckons it should last another 50 years or so.