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A thatching needle is used to secure the bunches of straw to the roof or rick and to each other with twine (tarred to keep the mice away). This needle is made of iron, and has the patent number '461673'.

1 thatching needle: metal (iron)

MERL Recording form - ‘Name of Object: Thatching needle/ Twine bobbin // Name and Address of Owner: Markham, Reading, Berks // How was it used: Securing thatch (what reed) to corn stack using thatching twine // Who made it: Unknown. Needle patent no is 461673 // From what materials is the object made: iron // What are its approximate measurements: Needle 21.5” Bobbin 18”// Have you photograph of the object: No// Additional information: Both items are still commonly used for thatching corn stacks. The needle is identical to others recorded by MERL and they were all almost certainly made by the same firm who patented the device // [pen drawing].’, Photocopy of document - Patent specification 563,035. Relating to improvement to specification no. 461,673, a tool for passing the stringing through thatching material., MERL Miscellaneous note – This curved needle is a Darby thatching needle, patent number '461673', was used for fastening thatch on hay or corn stacks or house roofs. Patented in 1935 it was designed to make a locking stitch in the thatch, securing it in place without the need for peg or spur. The curved needle was inserted in the thatch along with twine or fastening material, the straight needle was inserted and connected with the curved needle. Said to be easy to use by novices and quicker to use than pegs or spurs. This needle is a later design that appears in the 1944 patent – with a catch to secure the tying material. Almost certainly made by the same firm who patented the device – John Henry Darby, 26 High Street, Hillmorton, Rugby.

1944 - 1960