Painswick
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  Map sources for Painswick at grid reference SO8609
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Painswick is a small town in Gloucestershire, England. Originally, the town grew on the wool trade, but it is now best known for its church's yew trees and the local Rococo Garden. The town is mainly constructed of cotswold stone, a yellow oolitic limestone quarried locally. Many of the buildings feature South facing attic rooms once used as weaver's workshops.
Geographically Painswick is to be found on a hill in the Stroud district, overlooking the Stroud valleys. Its narrow streets and traditional architecture make it the epitome of a quaint English village. There is a golf course near Painswick Beacon.
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[edit] History
There is evidence of settlement in the area as long ago as the Iron Age. This can be seen in the defensive earthworks atop nearby Painswick Beacon, which have wide views across the Severn Vale. The local monastery, Prinknash Abbey, was established as long ago as the 11th century.
During the first English civil war (1642-1645) Gloucester was a Parliamentarian stronghold of some strategic importance. Consequently it was surrounded by forces loyal to the King. After the siege of Gloucester was broken on September 5, 1643, the Royalist army, which had been surrounding the city, encamped overnight at Painswick. Some damage was caused by the troops and a scar from two small cannonballs can still be seen on the tower of St. Marys church.
[edit] Local traditions
A traditional custom held on the nearest Sunday to September 19 is the annual "clipping ceremony" when local children wear flowers in their hair, join hands and embrace St Mary's Church. It is thought to be rooted in Pagan ritual. The name "clipping" is thought to have derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "Clyppan" meaning "to embrace", and has nothing to do with the pruning of the church's yews.
[edit] Shops
Painswick has many delightful shopping establishments, with friendly shopkeepers, and offer good value for money. Shops here include:
LONDIS: Londis is the true local village shop, providing all your grocery and newspaper needs. A walk around the displays reveals a remarkable range of provisions and magazines. The smaller sweets selection is a delight. You'll never know what you'll find within its walls!
ALLEN HALE, BUTCHER: Allen takes a very serious interest in the food he sells. He is one of 24 Real Meat Company shops in England, with a commitment to present only the highest possible standards. Allen sells top of the range quality meat, preserves, eggs, cheeses, coffee, home-made sausages etc. His Real Meat Co. meat more than makes up for short opening hours.
THE POST OFFICE: Annie has added some wonderful items to an already delightful selection. There are lots more cards with new designs and some very reasonably charity cards. As well as some excellent children’s toys and games, a range of attractive traditional family games offer a welcome alternative to the usual television! You will find many lovely little gifts and stocking fillers nestling in the hooks and crannies of the post office. BEWARE - Annie’s eccentric method of posting parcels can confuse many elderly citizens, however she is always happy to help.
LIBRARY: Painswick library has a friendly atmosphere, where you are welcome to go for a quiet read any time (when its open, which is decreasing fast). The selection is basic; however you might come across the book you are looking for. The library is open for donations since it is falling beyond repair. The Painswick citizens are keen to keep it open, but more money must be raised to keep this establishment open.
PHARMACY: Mike and his team have yet again filled the shop with many special gifts. A pharmacy may not seem the ideal place to buy presents but it is full to the brim with exotic toiletries, and themed photo albums. It's like Santa’s grotto!!
[edit] School
The school in Painswick is called the Croft School. It has 150 pupils and an outdoor swimming pool. Its reputation isn't great but it is easy to attend to with no requirements. School Dinners are provided by Sodexho who give a varied menu consisting of baked beans, chips and arctic roll. There is a exciting nature area but permission is needed to do anything at all in it. Key icons of the staff included Mr Harding, Mrs Merrick, Mr Tucker, Mrs Skinner, Mrs Griffiths, Mrs Dicks, Mrs Gyde and Cookie Scone. The school has many playground attractions including an infant climbing frame, a junior adventure course and a reception garden. The current Headmistress is making radical changes to the school such as a TV portacabin and a relatively modern ICT suite.
The school also has a range of exciting trips. Last year the children walked to a nearby street to view the exciting roadworks. This individual trip was guided by an experienced tarmac expert. Don't forget the christmas hymm festival where the children walked to the church and sang an array of songs including good old hymms and popular '80s sing-alongs. It was 20 minutes to remember.
A dinner-lady who would prefer to remain unknown, or "behind the custard vat" as croft slang would describe this act of secrecy, said " It was amazing! Just the sight of Croft pullovers set my lunchtimes alight! They were nearly as good as my band I participated in back in the '80s.
Don't forget the school's charity work! Last year's book fair raised enough money to buy back all the books the school had sold and they could afford a few extra! Parents were glad that the school could stock its new library with its first book. "More reading matter means more university degrees!" a jovial parent said.
At the moment a veggie patch is being planted! While some people were worried that this big step may interfere with the school's food supply system they now think that if the harvest survives it could feed the entire school for one lunch! A parent commented " By saving 1 days worth of food the school can buy more wood chippings for the nature reserve!" her friend agreed and said jokingly "or maybe they could just spend it on a better caterer!" The interviewees laughed as this humourous suggestion.
[edit] External links
- The Adey family history From approximately 1650 in Painswick to the present day.
