View from the south - 2004
Since 1964 it has been called The Thatched Cottage at Upper Nash, Sparrow Hall, Sparrow Thatch, Shepherd's Cottage and now, Shepherd's Thatch. Doubtless the references to sparrows relate to the delight of that species in nesting in a thatched roof. Although there are few sparrows around now in 2003, the starlings would make a determined take-over bid were they not currently prevented by the meanness of wiring over the whole roof. This timber framed and thatched house dating from the early 1400's. Evidence in the roof space indicates that it was originally an open hall house with the two end bays built in two stories. Subsequently a smoke bay was installed in the middle enabling most of the first floor to be constructed. Later again, the massive internal chimney was constructed. Presumably this house was the most substantial in the locality when it was first built and it was later, when stone and brick properties were erected, that its status fell until it eventually became a relatively lowly tied cottage. At this time it was probably divided into two dwellings and, being attached to the farm, was presumably occupied by agricultural workers.
Pre 1978 but exact date unknown
Ernie Jane lived there until Bill Harmer and he retired at which stage it was sold and refurbished into a desirable residence. Ernie recounted how the east end was devoid of a ceiling with the underside of the roof thatch visible from the ground floor while there were numerous leaks through the thatch. His wife, Margaret, is reputed to have had to sweep up the death watch beetles each morning! At that time there were stairs at both ends of the cottage and the front door was situated in the east wall. On the north side there were no windows other than at the west end, the porch, front door and other windows on this side all being later additions during the refurbishment. Stone cladding was added to the south wall at some stage in the past due to excessive weathering of the timber frame on that exposed face. Evidence of the frame on this side can still be seen inside the house. In the garden the brick floor and remains of timber walls to an outside privy have been found. Ordinance survey maps indicate a well in the vicinity of the current drive although no physical evidence has been found to support this. There is also a wall from a stye or similar structure at the west end where a timber extension now exists. Old photographs show a garage shed beside the lane at the Southeast corner.