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 Whether Painswick is a town or village is an endless debating point, but it is undoubtedly one of the finest Cotswold settlements and is frequently known as “Queen of the Cotswolds”.
The church of St Mary the Virgin, with its imposing steeple and famous table tombs and yew trees, (please see the following website for additional information about the conservation of the tomb stones www.painswicktombs.org.uk ), formed the centre of Painswick for over one thousand years, with parts of the existing building dating from the C14th. A short guide for the many visitors to our church is available in several languages.
 The lively and caring nature of Painswick is reflected in the large number of church and secular activities and organisations.
From preschool age to nonagenarians, there are activities for everyone in Painswick, and Painswick churches play a major role through the ecumenical partnership of ‘Churches Together Around Painswick’.
In St Mary’s church there is worship every Sunday, and further services at various times and locations throughout the week. Together with Sunday School for young people and ‘Talking Point’ for Mums and toddlers, there are also strong links with the local Croft School. Via our fulltime Youth Sports Leader there is close involvement with the many sporting activities in Painswick and the surrounding area.
 The Vicar is Rev John Longuet-Higgins, who works with the rest of the leadership team. There is also a very active Local Ministry Team. Between them they provide leadership in Alpha courses and JIF groups, carry out home and hospital visits and take communion to the housebound.
St Mary’s is also supported by a Christian Mens’ Society; Choirs (both adult and junior); the Bellringers known since 1686 as The Ancient Society Of Painswick Youths; a Flower Guild; St Mary’s Guild; a Prayer Group/Cell; also, in its turn, St Mary’s church supports several charitable missions both in this country and overseas.
There are Church Rooms, adjacent to the churchyard, that are available for meetings, lectures and classes, as well as social functions.
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