# Stuart Jones: Wiltshire Master Thatcher

> Stuart Jones is a master thatcher based in Marlborough, Wiltshire, with over 30 years of experience (thatching since 1994). He provides re-thatching, re-ridging, repairs, surveys and specialist work on listed buildings across Wiltshire, Berkshire and Hampshire. He is a member of the Oxford, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Master Thatchers Association and won their award in 2015. He works with all three traditional materials: water reed, long straw and combed wheat reed.

Contact: 07876 213095 | stuartjones75@yahoo.com | https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/contact/

## Services

- [Re-thatching](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/services/re-thatching/): Full re-thatch in water reed (25–40 years), long straw (15–25 years) or combed wheat reed (25–35 years). Includes scaffolding, stripping, timber inspection and finishing.
- [Re-ridging](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/services/re-ridging/): Ridge replacement, typically needed every 10–15 years. Available in plain cut, scalloped, diamond pattern or flush finish. Usually takes 1–3 days.
- [Repairs & Patch Work](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/services/repairs/): Targeted repairs to specific areas without a full re-thatch. Early intervention is more cost-effective than waiting.
- [Thatching Surveys](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/services/surveys/): Independent written condition surveys for buyers, sellers and property owners. Covers coat work, fixings, ridge and areas of concern.
- [Storm & Insurance Work](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/services/storm-and-insurance/): Emergency repairs following storm damage, plus written documentation and support for insurance claims.
- [Listed & Historic Buildings](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/services/listed-buildings/): Specialist work on listed buildings and conservation areas. Stuart liaises with Wiltshire Council's Historic Environment team and understands planning requirements for thatched listed properties.

## Coverage Area

Primary: Wiltshire — including Marlborough, Devizes, Salisbury, Chippenham, Swindon, Trowbridge, Warminster, Amesbury, Bradford-on-Avon, Calne, Corsham, Melksham, Westbury, Wilton, Malmesbury, Pewsey, Aldbourne, Ramsbury, Lacock, Avebury, Castle Combe, Great Bedwyn.

Also: West Berkshire (Hungerford, Newbury, Lambourn) and north Hampshire (Andover area).

## Key Facts

- Thatching since: 1994
- Association member since: 2002 (Oxford, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Master Thatchers Association)
- Award: Oxford, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Master Thatchers Association Award, 2015
- Materials: water reed, long straw, combed wheat reed
- Listed building experience: extensive; familiar with Wiltshire Council Historic Environment planning requirements
- Insurance: fully insured with public liability cover

## Advice & Guides

- [Thatching in Wiltshire: A Local Expert's Guide](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/the-history-of-thatching-in-wiltshire-and-the-south-west-of-england/): Specific villages, materials used locally, planning considerations for listed buildings, finding a thatcher.
- [How to Choose a Thatcher in Wiltshire](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/choosing-a-thatcher-in-wiltshire/): Association membership, references, written quotes, what to watch out for.
- [Thatched Roof Maintenance: A Practical Guide](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/thatched-roof-repair-and-maintenance-a-comprehensive-guide/): Inspection checklist, ridge deterioration signs, maintenance intervals, when to call a thatcher.
- [Insurance and Thatched Roofs](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/insurance-and-thatched-roofs-navigating-the-process/): Specialist insurers (NFU Mutual, Ecclesiastical, Towergate, Alan Boswell), rebuild costs, fire safety requirements.
- [8 Myths About Thatched Roofs](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/common-myths-and-misconceptions-about-thatched-roofs-debunked/): Fire risk, maintenance costs, insurance, planning, selling a thatched property.
- [5 Things to Know Before Buying a Thatched House](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/buying-a-thatched-house/): Condition, insurance, listed status, electrics, chimney inspection.
- [How Long Will a Thatched Roof Last?](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/how-long-will-a-thatched-roof-last/): Water reed 25–40 years, long straw 15–25 years, combed wheat reed 25–35 years. Factors: pitch, environment, workmanship, maintenance.
- [Thatching Materials Explained](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/complete-list-of-thatch-materials/): Water reed, combed wheat reed, long straw, heather, sedge — properties and lifespans.
- [Parts of a Thatched Roof](https://www.wiltshirethatching.com/advice/parts-of-a-thatched-roof-and-their-purposes/): Ridges, fixings, flashings, nettings, box gutters.