I was so excited that I happpened to be around for the topping out ceremony of The House That Kevin Built. Kevin McCloud explained to the assembled crowd that a ‘topping out’ ceremony is held when the highest point of a structure has been put up. The builders take up a leafy sprig of oak, or whatever wood has been used in construction, and nail it to the very apex of the structure.

In this case, they had a sheaf of thatch prepared so that it could stand up upon the top of the roof. Kevin joked that it was the responsibility of the youngest and handsomest of the builders to top out, but that that wasn’t him. Youngest, maybe not, but I’d argue about handsomest.

Of course, a libation has to be made which, along side the offering of the sheaf, is intended to thank the gods, goddesses and spirits of forest and field for giving up their bounty to allow the building of the house.

Bottles of champers were distributed amongst the build crew, liberally shaken and then opened.

Despite protestations from the producer that Health & Safety would have a fit if there was any drinking on-site, a toast is made, and the topping out ceremony is complete.

He smiled just after this, honest.