In a ceremony dating back hundreds of years, dozens of people joined hands and encircled St Mary’s Church in Painswick on Sunday afternoon.
The Clypping Ceremony can be traced back to the Victorian era and its name is believed to be derived from the old English word ‘clyppe’, meaning embrace – with parishioners linking hands and embracing the church, thanking God and asking for his blessing on the church. It is held on September 19th or the nearest Sunday after that date.
Rev Andrew Leach, Painswick born and bred, joined the celebration – he has now attended 65 Clypping services and officiated at the past six ceremonies. The Clypping has always been strongly linked with the Painswick Feast, a festive occasion held in the Churchyard on Sunday which included apple pressing and a number of stalls and entertainment.
Following the service children were given a Clypping bun and a 50 pence piece.
Click on the images in our gallery. Pictures and video by Matt Bigwood.
