Church bells across Bedford Borough will ring out at midday today (Friday) and flags will be at half mast as the nation mourns the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
HM Queen Elizabeth II passed away at her Balmoral Estate yesterday (Thursday) surrounded by her family. She was 96.
Bells at churches across the borough will be rung at midday for an hour to mark her passing.
The death of the Sovereign is a rare occasion when fully muffled bells are sounded. This is a technique to create an echo by fitting pads to both sides of the bell clapper.
Many churches are also open for prayers and will host special services.
Leading the tributes from the church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd Justin Welby, paid tribute and said the Queen leaves behind a “truly extraordinary legacy”.
He added, “Her clarity of thinking, capacity for careful listening, inquiring mind, humour, remarkable memory and extraordinary kindness invariably left me conscious of the blessing that she has been to us.
“May Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace and rise in glory.”
A book of condolence will be in place from tomorrow (Saturday, 10 September) at the Harpur Suite for Bedfodians to sign.
Flowers can also be left at the Embankment entrance to Russell Park.
Read: Bedfordshire’s book of condolence for Her Majesty the Queen
Flags at half-mast
As a mark of respect, the Union Jack is being flown at half mast at public buildings, businesses, schools and sports grounds across Bedford Borough.
These flags will stay at half mast for almost the entire period of mourning, except for one of the days, when they will be raised temporarily in recognition of the proclamation of the new King.
At 11am on Sunday, 11 September flags will be raised before being lowered again at 1pm on Monday, 12 September. They’ll then stay at half-mast until 18 September.
