The ancient hamlet of Pitchcombe nestles in the Painswick valley betwixt Stroud and Painswick in the beautiful scenic Cotswolds. The parish straddles the Wick stream where once the numerous woollen mills sourced its energy supplies to process wool.

Pitchcombe

The earliest mention of Pitchcombe (or as previous historic records show Pychyncube, Pychenecombe, Pinchcum ) was the existence of a 12th century “Ragged Castle” whose probable site is that of Wragg Castle Farm.

Manor House

The numerous locally quarried historic Cotswold stone buildings are dotted around the parish with many originating from the 16th century onwards .Fine examples of this unique architecture can be seen today, such as Bedcroft circa 1553, the various mills, Smalls Mill, Wades Mill, Upper Mill, and elegant houses such as Pitchcombe House, and Brownhill Court .These buildings truly reflect the growth and heritage of Pitchcombe.

Pitchcombe once boasted at least five ale houses at one stage, the names of the certain dwellings in the village provide a clue to its past, The Eagle, The Star, and the Half-Way House. Alas these dwellings are no longer open to sell refreshments.

The Countryside around Pitchcombe can only be described as incredibly beautiful, with numerous ancient footpaths passing through woodlands, pastures, and common lands within the valley. Wildlife abounds with badger, deer, buzzards, owls, partridge and pheasant. Pitchcombe provides a tranquil and peaceful environment for both residents and visitors to this region of the Cotswolds.

Woodland

Today much of the social and community activities revolve around the Village Hall and the Church. The Village Hall (formally the old village school built in 1803) provides facilities for mother and toddler clubs, music and art classes, indoor bowls, plus numerous social events held throughout the year.

Pitchcombe Church was built in 1819 and stands on the site of a former Church known as the Pitchcombe Cradle which dated back to the 14th century.