A Look Through Time: The Rich History of Roofing on the Yorkshire Coast
- alfiejwadd
- Jun 9
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 11
East Coast Roofing
Welcome to the A and G Roofing blog! As a company deeply rooted in the East Riding of Yorkshire, we believe that a roof does more than just keep the weather out. It’s a crown on our homes and a silent witness to history. From the wild North Sea winds battering the cliffs of Flamborough to the bustling harbours of Bridlington and Scarborough, our local roofs have a fascinating story to tell.
Join us as we take a journey through time, exploring the history of roofing in our beloved coastal towns of Bridlington, Flamborough, Filey, Cayton, and Scarborough.
From the Land and Sea: Early Roofing Materials
Go back several centuries, and the roofing landscape of the Yorkshire coast would have looked very different. The earliest roofs were made from what was available, but it was thatch, crafted from the long straw of wheat or rye, that became the predominant covering for centuries. However, it’s the distinctive, wavy, reddish-orange pantile that gives our coastal villages their unique character. There's a long-held local tradition that these tiles first arrived on the east coast as ballast in trading ships returning from Holland in the 17th century. Ships laden with Yorkshire coal or salt would make the journey across the North Sea and, for the return trip, would load up with heavy clay pantiles to keep the vessel stable. This maritime trade link transformed the look of our coastline, replacing flammable thatch with durable, fireproof tiles.
A Timeline of Tiles: From Thatch to Concrete
The materials we use to shelter our homes have evolved dramatically over the centuries, driven by technology, trade, and taste. Here’s a quick guide to the main roofing materials you’ll see on the Yorkshire coast and how they compare.
Thatch
Era of Use: An ancient craft, used for thousands of years and common across the UK until the 19th century.
Life Expectancy: Varies greatly depending on the material. A long straw roof requires attention every 15-25 years, whereas a durable water reed roof can last for 25-40+ years. The ridge of a thatched roof typically needs replacing every 10-15 years.
Clay Pantiles
Era of Use: Introduced to the UK in the 17th century, becoming very popular along the east coast due to trade links with the Netherlands.
Life Expectancy: High-quality clay tiles are incredibly durable. When properly maintained, they can last for over 60 years, with many examples surviving well over 100 years.
Rosemary Clay Tiles
Era of Use: These small, plain clay tiles were first produced in the 1830s in Staffordshire. Their neat, uniform appearance made them extremely popular during the Victorian and Edwardian building booms, especially on churches and grander houses.
Life Expectancy: Similar to other high-quality clay tiles, a Rosemary tile roof can be expected to last for more than 60 years, providing a durable and classic look.
Natural Slate
Era of Use: Although used by the Romans on forts, slate was a luxury for centuries. It only became widespread during the Victorian era (mid-to-late 19th century) when the expansion of the railway network allowed Welsh slate to be transported affordably across the country.
Life Expectancy: Natural Welsh slate is one of the most durable roofing materials in the world, with a typical lifespan of well over 100 years.
Concrete Tiles
Era of Use: First introduced to the UK in the 1920s, but their popularity surged after World War II as a cost-effective and quick-to-manufacture alternative to clay during the post-war housing boom.
Life Expectancy: Generally, you can expect concrete tiles to last between 30 and 50 years. They are a resilient and affordable option, though they don't have the same longevity as their clay or slate counterparts.
Has Roofing Always Been a Specialist Trade?
In the age of thatch, while there were skilled thatchers, the basic knowledge of roofing was more widespread. However, as materials became more complex, so did the need for specialist skills. The introduction of clay pantiles, and later the mass transportation of Welsh slate, firmly established roofing as a distinct and highly skilled trade. This specialisation has only increased with the development of modern materials and complex roof designs. Unfortunately, in the modern era, many companies operate without professional training, which can lead to substandard work and costly future repairs. That’s why it’s more important than ever to choose a proven, qualified roofer. At A & G Roofing, we pride ourselves on our professionalism, and you can rest assured that both our owners are fully City & Guilds NVQ trained, guaranteeing a high standard of work.
Has Roofing Always Been a Specialist Trade?
In the age of thatch, while there were skilled thatchers, the basic knowledge of roofing was more widespread. However, as materials became more complex, so did the need for specialist skills. The introduction of clay pantiles, and later the mass transportation of Welsh slate, firmly established roofing as a distinct and highly skilled trade.
This specialisation has only increased with the development of modern materials and complex roof designs. Unfortunately, in the modern era, many companies operate without professional training, which can lead to substandard work and costly future repairs. That’s why it’s more important than ever to choose a proven, qualified roofer. At A & G Roofing, we pride ourselves on our professionalism, and you can rest assured that both our owners are fully City & Guilds NVQ trained, guaranteeing a high standard of work.
The Quest for Warmth: When Did Roof Insulation Start?
For centuries, the primary insulator was the roofing material itself – a thick layer of thatch being a prime example. The concept of adding a separate layer of insulation is a much more modern development. The oil crisis of the 1970s was the real catalyst for change in the UK. Soaring energy prices forced the government to introduce new Building Regulations that, for the first time, mandated minimum levels of insulation in new homes to conserve fuel and power. This marked the beginning of the era of the warm, energy-efficient homes we strive for today.
Setting the Standard: The Birth of British Standards
As building materials and techniques evolved, so did the need for regulation to ensure quality and safety. The committee that would eventually become the British Standards Institution (BSI) was first formed in 1901. However, specific, comprehensive standards for roofing are a more recent development. For example, BS 5534 is the code of practice for slating and tiling, ensuring roofs are secure against high winds – a vital consideration on the Yorkshire coast! These standards are constantly updated to reflect new materials and a better understanding of building physics, ensuring that a modern roof is as safe and durable as possible.
The Dangers of the Job: A History of Health and Safety
Roofing has always been a dangerous trade. Historically, working at height was fraught with risk, and safety measures were minimal to non-existent. While it is difficult to find specific records of local casualties from centuries past, it is a sad certainty that many roofers would have been injured or killed.
The journey towards modern safety standards has been long and hard-won. The first meaningful legislation, the Factory Act of 1802, was a world away from today’s regulations. The most significant milestone was the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which established the framework for modern workplace safety in Britain. This led to regulations on everything from scaffolding and harnesses to manual handling and the provision of first aid. Sadly, accidents still happen, highlighting the absolute importance of adhering to the strict safety protocols that A & G Roofing and all responsible firms follow today.
When the Storms Came: The Coast’s Greatest Tests
The roofs of Bridlington, Filey, and Scarborough have withstood some of the most ferocious storms in British history. Two events stand out:
The Great Gale of 1871: On the 10th of February, a catastrophic storm struck the East Yorkshire coast. Many ships had taken shelter in Bridlington's "Bay of Refuge," but a sudden change in wind direction smashed them against the harbour walls and ran them aground. While the tragedy is remembered for the devastating loss of more than 70 sailors, the damage to the town's buildings and roofs from the hurricane-force winds was immense.
The North Sea Flood of 1953: This was one of the worst natural disasters in modern British history. A combination of a severe storm and a high spring tide created a massive storm surge that flooded vast swathes of the east coast. While Lincolnshire and the Netherlands were hit hardest, the Yorkshire coast did not escape. Waves breached sea defences, and thousands of properties were damaged by wind and floodwater, testing every roof, wall, and window to its absolute limit. This event led to a major overhaul of Britain’s coastal defences and flood warning systems.
From the early thatchers using local straw to the skilled specialists who brought the iconic pantiles to our shores, the history of roofing on the Yorkshire coast is a story of adaptation, craftsmanship, and resilience. At A and G Roofing, we are proud to be part of this continuing story. Whether you have a historic property needing traditional skills or a new build requiring the latest in roofing technology, we have the expertise to protect your home for generations to come. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Very informative!