The construction and repair of oast cowls is a highly specialised task, which calls for a very high standard of technical knowledge and craftsmanship.

A family firm of builders started out in East Peckham, Kent specialising in this work, still using the traditional method for the removal and replacement of cowls; a pulley block hooked to the top of a wooden pole, which is raised up through the kiln roof, although a more modern method of using cranes is now also used.

The firm was previously managed by David Holmes, who can be seen to the left of the picture (below right), his father-in-law - Arthur Brooks, who was a wheelwright and village carpenter is standing next to the cowl. The example shown below measures about 6ft 3" in height but the tallest one erected so far has measured 12.5ft in height.

During the summer of 1977 this firm removed, refurbished and replaced the twenty cowls on the four oasts at the Whitbread Hop Farm, Beltring, and in 1984 constructed the three cowls for the oast Museum of Kent Life, Cobtree, Nr Maidstone.

In 2003 they amalgamated with Dude & Arnette, which is owned by Darren Hole (David Holmes Son-in-Law). Darren can be seen to the left of the picture, standing next to David (below left).

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about Oast House repairs, call Darren on 07973 332790, or email him at darren.hole@dudeandarnette.co.uk