Painswick Church
The Lychgate Office, Stroud Road, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6UT | 01452 814795 | 07356246338 beaconbeneficeoffice@gmail.
St MARY’S Church, Painswick
The heart of community life, Painswick Church is a cherished landmark and the cornerstone of community cohesion in the town. United by faith in Jesus, love for the wider village and a commitment to steward and ‘future-proof’ our church building and churchyard, St Mary’s Church in Painswick is undeniably a vital hub of community life and activity.
St. Mary’s is a beautiful house of prayer and much-loved place of traditional and contemporary worship. With its Gothic architecture and rich history dating back (we believe) to around 1040, today the church in Painswick stands as a symbol of faith, core values, continuity, and hope for the future.
The Domesday Survey of AD 1086 records that there was a priest in Painswick, from which it may be assumed that a church stood on this site in Saxon times. Nevertheless, while the oldest part of the church still standing is St Peter’s Chapel (built in 1377), there have been a number of additions and restoration works over the centuries. Today our church building continues to be lovingly and diligently cared for. We have recently completed a new roofing project and are currently investing in an efficient and environmentally sustainable heating system to make it more comfortable for its many visitors, worshippers and tourists all year round.
Outside in the grounds, the beautiful yew trees and the unique ledger tombs in the churchyard date from the early eighteenth century, and help to create the ideal setting for our annual Clypping Ceremony. This ancient tradition of encircling and ‘clypping’ or ‘embracing’ the church, is still practiced in only a few places in the UK and takes place on the third Sunday every September as part of the Painswick Feast proceedings.
In more recent years…
St Mary’s has also become a key part of a village Goodwill Evening held in late November, and has begun to work increasingly with key partners in the village to help highlight and celebrate the diversity, creativity and beauty found in the community and geography of Painswick Beacon, the village and the surrounding Painswick Valley.
In summary, St. Mary’s Church in Painswick exemplifies the power of faith, hope and love to bring people together, fostering a vibrant, supportive community dedicated to shared values and mutual care.
In 2025/26 electric heating was installed in the church and St. Mary’s wish to acknowledge generous grants towards the work from the Julia Rausing Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust and the Benefact Trust.
Good to know
Accessibility
Wheelchair ramp into the porch and down into the nave
Toilets are not wheelchair accessible
Hearing loop system available
Opening Hours
Summer: 9am – 6:30pm
Winter: 9am – 4:30pm
Choirs/bell ringing
St. Mary’s has an active choir and the “Ancient Society of Painswick Youths” who can be heard practising weekly and ringing at services and other events through the year.
Bell Ringing: Wednesday 8pm
& Sunday 8am
Supported charities
The church makes significant donations to three charities each year for three years on a staggered cycle. The current charities are Young Minds, the Door and Water Aid. The church has for a long time supported and promoted the work of Christian Aid
Discipleship
Being new to a community can feel daunting, but it is also an opportunity for welcome, support, and belonging. A church can provide a place of spiritual grounding, friendship, and encouragement, where newcomers are not just visitors but are embraced as family in Christ. Beyond worship, the Beacon Benefice offers a network of care—helping people connect with others, serve together, and find comfort in times of need. By opening its doors and hearts, the church helps transform a new place into a true home.
Prayer & Worship
We hold a variety of services around the Benefice at different times of day. All our welcome at these services.
If you are new to church, please feel free to come along and join us.
Church News & Events
Safeguarding
Sometimes people don’t know who to turn to if they feel uncomfortable, worried, or unsafe, which is why we have a dedicated safeguarding team ready to listen and support you.
Giving
If you would like to bless a church with a financial gift, please follow the donate here button.
Thank you.