Another gorgeous "thatched cottage" scene. Parker Brothers Pastime puzzle cut by 763 in the 1950's. Interlocking, cut along color lines with 56 figure pieces. No repairs needed. Artist unknown. Thatch roofing has a history that goes back thousands of years, making it one of the most time-tested types of roofing. It was the predominant roofing material in many places until the 1800s and remains the signature roofing of the country cottage.
During the mid to late middle ages (late 15th to early 16th centuries), Europe recovered from the black plague, and England and France recovered from the hundred years war. A time of peace and prosperity resulted, eventually producing the renaissance. This is when thatch reached some of it’s highest refinement. William Cahill says that the French were the first to really beautify thatch as we know it today. The English and Germans were quick to adopt these traditions and they were soon followed by the rest of Europe, each region with a slightly different take. Normandy is especially known for its well-preserved thatch cottages or "thatchies" when literally translated from French. Thatched half-timber cottages and rural Normandy are synonymous, evoking images of lush green cottage farms with chickens and ducks foraging in the yard.