Salisbury Cathedral enters a period of mourning

Friday, 9 September 2022 01:00

Following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Salisbury Cathedral has entered a period of mourning.

Books of Condolence have been placed in the North Transept for those wishing to pay their respects and sign.

Prayers led by The Dean to mark the opening of the Condolence Books took place at midday today (9th September 2022 ). The Condolence Books will remain in place until further notice.

There will also be opportunities to reflect, pray, and give thanks for the life of Her Majesty in the coming days. Full details of services planned during the period of mourning will be added to the Cathedral's website.

An area to the left of the Visitor entrance has also been set aside for those wishing to mark the Queens’s passing with flowers.

2012 Jubilee Event in Salisbury. Photograph by Ash Mills

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's life has been one of extraordinary and exemplary service to the nation and its Church. We give thanks for her selfless example and remarkable witness and join our voices with those of millions of others as we pray for her, and for all those who feel her death most closely and keenly.

"We pray for the King, who takes the throne at a time when our nation is experiencing great change and turbulence. We are confident that he will be inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s example, and that he will reign with the same dedication.”

2012 Jubilee Event in Salisbury. Photograph by Ash Mills

The Bishop of Salisbury, The Rt Revd Stephen Lake commented, “It is with the most profound sadness that we mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Almost all of us alive today have known only this great monarch as our Queen. Her life of service, of constancy and faithfulness, underpinned by her own very personal faith, has been an inspiration to people across the world.

"Seventy years ago, the Queen asked us to pray that God would grant her wisdom and strength: these prayers that were answered in abundance.

"Now we continue to pray: for her family and all who grieve, and for all of us as we come to terms with the loss of our Queen. On behalf of all our worshipping communities and schools in the diocese as we commend Her Majesty in prayer into the loving arms of Jesus Christ her Saviour.

"May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

2012 Jubilee Event in Salisbury. Photograph by Ash Mills.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last visited the Cathedral in 2012 as part of her Diamond Jubilee Tour, unveiling a commemoration plaque to mark the occasion.

In the course of her visit, the Queen and HRH Prince Philip met the then Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Revd Nicholas Holtam and explored an exhibition of the county's history and communities on the Cathedral Lawn. Afterwards, they were introduced to the Cathedral stonemasons and met local children working on projects based on Magna Carta.

The Royal visit concluded with a display by the Band of The Prince of Wales' Division, Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth.

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