Wyck Rissington lies a few miles south of Stow-on-the-Wold just off the Fosse Way. In contrast to it's neighbour Bourton on the Water, Wyck Rissington seems a tranquil haven lost in time. Wyck is a Saxon term for an outlying farm while Rissington refers to a hill covered in brush. The village sprawls along a broad village green for a mile or more with houses set far back from the roadside. A beautiful collection of Cotswold cottages and farms meander past the village pond and down to the church at the end of the village. The church has an attractive new roof with a fine cross on the gable. The building is12th century in origin, the 9ft thick walls at the base of the tower date from this period. The tower itself and the important Early Gothic chancel are 13th century and are probably the work of Eynsham Abbey which owned the advowson at this time An interesting church with many original elements such as the Early Gothic east window arrangement and a magnificent 14th century stained glass crucifix with it's rare green glass cross. Another claim to fame is an association with Gustav Holst who at the age of 17 in 1892-93 became St Laurence's organist, his first paid post. The church and village inhabit a long lost age and are a peaceful place to visit. www.bwthornton.co.uk