The charming village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is just to the west of Wallingford in southern Oxfordshire. The village is actually two villages – Brightwell and Sotwell – that have grown and been paired together.

This might account for its sprawling and sometimes confusing layout. Apparently, it has four churches – so far I have only found three of these – my painting is of St. James’s at the eastern end of the village. It also has a picturesque pub, the Red Lion, and a fine collection of thatched and half-timbered houses and is well worth a visit (or two)!