London’s Globe Theatre has announced a £10 million project to completely rethatch its roof, restoring it to its original design. The theatre’s thatched roof, a distinct feature that required special permission when the building was constructed in the 1990s due to longstanding fire safety restrictions in central London, is nearing the end of its lifespan and will be replaced using traditional methods and materials.

Stella Kanu, the Globe’s chief executive, described the rethatching effort as a commitment to authenticity. “We are remaining true to the original design and building materials,” she said, emphasizing that the use of thatch was historically consistent with the time of William Shakespeare. The roof’s natural structure also supports a small ecosystem, providing a habitat for wildlife such as pigeons, magpies, and squirrels.

To ensure the new roof maintains its historic integrity, the Globe has enlisted expert reed cutters from Norfolk to harvest and prepare approximately 14,000 bundles of water reed, all sourced from within Britain. This supply chain decision reflects the theatre’s dedication to using locally sourced, traditional materials.

The thatched roof’s restoration not only preserves an important architectural feature but also continues a legacy of sustainable building practices while promoting biodiversity in the heart of London. The project underlines the Globe’s intent to honor both historical craftsmanship and environmental considerations.