Thousands sign Lancashire books of condolence for Queen Elizabeth II

Thousands of people have signed the council’s book of condolences. Picture: Lancashire County Council

Lancashire County Council’s books of condolence have had thousands of people sign them since the announcement of the death of Her Majesty on Thursday 8th September.

As well as a physical book of condolence at Christ Church Chapple, Preston by County Hall, the council also opened an online book of condolence which has over 2,700 messages in it so far.

The traditional book of condolence can be signed by the public between 9am and 5pm each day until Tuesday 20th September.

County Councillor Peter Britcliffe, Chairman of Lancashire County Council, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“She had very close links with our county and the sheer number of messages we are seeing just shows the love and respect people feel for her.

“Our books of condolence will stay open until after the funeral, so there are still opportunities to pay your respects.”

In addition to the books of condolence, the county council lit up County Hall purple on the evening of Friday 9th September. It has lowered the flags at County Hall to half-mast and published a number of special videos and posts on its social media channels.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “As our Queen and our Duke of Lancaster, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is missed by so many people, particularly those who met her on one of her many visits to Lancashire over the years.

“It’s so touching to see thousands of people have written messages in our books of condolence to pay their respects to our longest serving monarch, who was a tremendous example to us all.

“There is still the opportunity to pay your respects online or by visiting the Christ Church Chapel next to County Hall to sign our traditional book of condolence, or lay flowers.”

Once the books close, they will be held in our archives as a permanent record of the affection and respect the people of Lancashire had for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

For more information, click here.

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