Only palace in the world with a thatched roof . The unique job of roofing what is believed to be the only palace with a thatched roof in the world is being carried out by Mr William Saunders , for 30 year ' s Norfolk reed thatcher , and two assistants . The roof is that of Bishopswood , the Bishop of Portsmouth ' s palace on the outskirts of Fareham , Hampshire . Photo shows , at work on the thatched roof of Bishopswood , Tudor fashioned palace of the Bishop of Portsmouth . 8 July 1936 *** Local Caption ***