PAINSWICK

PAINSWICK
QUEEN OF THE COTSWOLDS

Nestling quietly, deep within the Cotswold Hills and surrounded by some of Gloucestershire's most delightful countryside, Painswick is without doubt one of the county's most cherished assets.

Built of the mellow Cotswold stone, quarried locally from Painswick Beacon, the town's many beautiful buildings can be seen as they have appeared for centuries. You wander around the quaint, narrow streets and feel the history come alive.

New Street, constructed around 1428 when the wool and cloth trade was flourishing, contains the oldest building in England to contain a post office. Painswick's only

example of exposed timber framing. Beacon House with its magnificent Georgian frontage and the Falcon Hotel with the oldest bowling green in England add further to the interest that abounds in the town. There are rare 17th century spectacle stocks near the Court House, and 14th century houses in Bisley Street include two original Donkey Doors, wide enough for panniered donkeys who carried the wool from the numerous mills around the district.

The village is generously sprinkled with delightful cottages such as the one on the left, and crafted stone works are dotted everywhere.

The church of St. Mary (shown above and originally Norman) was extended around 1480 in the English Perpendicular style. The churchyard with 99 yew trees (legend has it that the 100th tree will not grow) and unusual tabletop tombs is also famous for its Clypping

ceremony. This ancient religious custom has nothing to do with trees or wool, but is the embracing of the church by children carrying nosegays and singing hymns. A closer look at the church tower still reveals evidence of Painswick's role in the civil war.

Today there is a variety of small shops and galleries to browse through with pubs, restaurants and teashops that all provide excellent food and service.

In early July Painswick steps back in time with its annual Victorian Market Day. The streets are decorated and filled with stalls and the residents of Painswick turn out in period costumes. The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen has its exhibition every August and shows the variety of excellence of their workmanship.

Painswick is another ideal location in the Cotswolds and a setting unequalled for its tranquillity and rustic charm that captures the heart as quickly in a restful week-end as it does with longer stays.

Call in on the Painswick web site at http://www.painswick.co.uk for more information