Thatch was not only used for cottages and farmhouses in Herefordshire, but also for many churches and castles.
A thatched roof was once the cheapest form of roofing available in Herefordshire and there were a great many experienced Thatchers kept in constant work, but the art of the Thatcher very nearly died out when cheaper and easier roofing became available, such as slate or tiles. However, enough buildings remained with their thatch to ensure that the craft survived, but replacing it these days is not a cheap undertaking.