Thatching with Pride and Precision
A Legacy of Thatch: The Dodson Family Story
In 1922 William Dodson left the Army following distinguished service at the Somme, Passchendaele, Italy and Egypt, winning the Distinguished Conduct Medal for exceptional bravery. He took up employment with a local thatcher and thatching has continued in the Dodson family ever since.
Chris started to learn to thatch from a young age, going with his grandfather and father in the school holidays, starting full time immediately after completing his A Levels in 1998.
A thorough apprenticeship was completed, with work being carried out on a vast array of buildings, from new build developments, to churches. Chris has worked on properties belonging to the Newmarket Racecourse Trust, Greene King breweries, Royal Sandringham Estate and for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at Malborough House.
Built on Bravery, Sustained by Skill
Having worked on hundreds of properties in this period, covering all manner of work from small thatched roof repairs to complete roof re-building, Chris built up a huge amount of experience as a fourth-generation master thatcher.
Chris formed his own business in 2011 and has continued to expand ever since. He is a proud member of the East Midlands Master Thatchers Association and has won three awards from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) as well as being awarded two ‘Highly Commended Awards’ from the National Society of Master Thatchers in the Best Thatched House Competition.
Trusted by Professionals, Recognised by Leaders
Clientele include national and local estate agencies, international solicitors seeking expert advice, property management companies and breweries. Chris has experience working with Historic England, providing advice about thatching, as well as dealing with Listed Building Applications and working with Local Conservation Officers.
Chris was personally recognised by Theo Paphitis—best known from BBC’s Dragons’ Den—as part of his Small Business Sunday scheme. This recognition highlights Chris’s hard work and dedication, with Theo now helping to promote Chris Dodson Thatching Services Ltd.
Rooted in Tradition, Committed to the Future
Chris is passionate about sharing his knowledge of traditional thatching with the public and inspiring future generations. He regularly gives talks to groups and delivers live thatching demonstrations at country and craft shows—including an appearance at BBC Countryfile Live. Chris is committed to showcasing the craft of thatching to younger generations. He has demonstrated thatching for schools and has had pupils emplaced on their work experience placements in Year 10.
We also offer CPD for professionals including surveyors and heritage consultants, as well as for university courses involved in construction and historic building.
Beyond his work on the roof, Chris holds an Honours Degree in Leadership and Management and has been a committed community volunteer for over 20 years. When he’s not thatching, he enjoys countryside walks with his young family, Reggie the labrador, and their spaniel, Monty—who often joins him on site and can frequently be spotted perched confidently on the scaffolding.
Master Thatchers in Cambridgeshire covering Neighbouring Counties
Chris Dodson Thatching Services brings over 90 years of family expertise to traditional thatching. As a well-established, fourth-generation, award-winning Master Thatcher, we operate from central Cambridgeshire, providing expert services across Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. We proudly use water reed, combed wheat reed, and long straw, offering friendly, practical advice on all aspects of thatched roofing.
53 Green End Road, Sawtry, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 5UY