Painswick

The first Norman Lord of the Manor was one Pain Fitzjohn, hence the derivation of the name 'Painswick', 10 of the first 12 Lords of the Manor met their deaths by either accident, in battle or by execution. A later Lord of the Manor - Sir Anthony Kingston who had gained notoriety for cruelty  died in suspicious circumstances, however not before he had orchestrated the hanging of a visiting mayor.

 

At the height of the woollen industry the steep valleys powered no less than 25 mills, such prosperity accounting for the fine houses and church built in the village centre.  The church was damaged during the Civil War, marks attributed to cannonballs can still be seen on the east and West walls.  There are a fine collection of table tombs within the churchyard.   These tombs stand amongst Painswick clipped yews of which legend will note that there are only ever be 99, any attempt to increase the number to 100 fails with each new yew dying after planting.

 

On the outskirts of Painswick are the beautiful Rococo gardens  the only complete garden of the period in Britian at this time.  The Rococo period represents a transitional phase between the formal Italinate style of 17th century gardens to the more natural English style of the 18th century.  A joy to visit!

 

Painswick Tourist Information Point
The Library
Stroud Road
Painswick
Gloucestershire
England
Tel: 01452 813552

 

Further Cotswold Accommodation Choices

If you know the town or district where you will be staying, then please select from our towns listed. If you are happy to just be in the Cotswolds and you would like to see all of the accommodation on offer, then please select from the list below:

• Cotswold Bed & Breakfast (Guesthouses)
• Cotswold Hotels
• Cotswold Self-Catering (Holiday Lets/Rentals - cottages, apartments)
• Cotswold Farms
• Cotswold Holiday Camps (Caravans)
• Cotswold Private Houses
• Secure Online Booking in the Cotswolds