Pictures of Painswick

About Painswick

Many centuries ago the delightful town of Painswick was at the centre of the 'Wool' industry and this is evidenced by the numerous grand old houses and inns, many of which were built by the wealthy wool merchants who settled in the town.

The streets of Painswick are narrow and crammed with fine examples of glowing honey coloured stone buildings from all periods. The most notable street, is New Street, built during the heady days of the wool trade when the townsfolk of Painswick prospered from the stability induced by good trading conditions. New Street also has the only half timbered building to be seen in Painswick.

St. Mary's parish church has an imposing tower, The church is thought to date from Norman times but was embellished during the 15th-century through the gifts of rich wool merchants. It is a beautiful church that contains many ancient reminders of the towns historic past. The 99 great Yew Trees in the churchyard are as overwhelming as they are beautiful and legend tells that should a hundreth tree be planted, it would be shrivelled by the devil. Most of the tombs in the churchyard date medieval times, they provide the last resting place for many rich wool merchants and their families.

This town is all quiet elegance and quaint charm, one charming place is the Falcon Inn which has an immaculately manicured bowling green. This green is an engaging sight in the summertime when teams of ladies and gentlemen, dressed traditionally in white, engage in the art of the ancient game of bowls. There are other properties dating from the 14th-century and the tall chimneyed Court-House is associated with King Charles I.

The famous Rococo Gardens are a feature of Painswick House on the edge of the town. The manor is surrounded by several acres of gardens set to this design in the days when Rococo style was fashionable. The gardens are a rare pleasure and worth taking the time to stroll round.

Painswick lies at high altitude but higher still is Painswick Beacon which affords excellent views of the magnificent Severn Valley and the clusters of nearby Cotswold towns and villages that inhabit the beautiful surrounding countryside. It is a place to relax and enjoy, and from which you will take many memories.

Interesting & Historical Facts about Painswick

There are 99 Yew Trees in the churchyard of St Mary’s in Painswick, in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds. Legend has it that the devil would not let the 100th one grow, and this was put to the test in recent years when a 100th tree was planted to mark the millenium. However, during a storm in 2007 one of the trees was blown down, which some believe was the devil's work.

Painswick facts | Gloucestershire facts

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