A SOMBRE hush descended on the city before the bells of Worcester Cathedral rang out for the Queen 96 times - one for every year of her life.

All morning people laid flowers at the war memorial as Worcester united in mourning for the only monarch most of us have ever known.

READ MORE: Live updates as Worcester mourns death of the Queen

Meanwhile, books of condolence were signed at Worcester Cathedral, The Hive and the city's Guildhall by those who wished to record, for posterity, the mark the Queen had left on their own lives and the yawning gap left by her death.

As the Bourdon bell chimed, eyes turned skyward towards the Cathedral tower. Even those who had not arrived specifically to witness the tribute paused and stopped as still as statues as if they had all fallen, at precisely the same moment, under the same spell.

Many spoke of the inspirational example Her Majesty had set, some fighting back tears as they signed the book of condolence, others lighting candles in her memory. They spoke not as if they had merely lost a monarch but a member of their own family. 

Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, reigned for 70 years. She died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday.

Her death was announced at 6.30pm that evening as the crown now passes to her son, King Charles III.

Samantha Hilling, 54, of Perdiswell, Worcester said: “She was a nan and I lost my nan and my dad to Covid last year. The Queen has been there all my life and so prominent in it.”

Thelma Willis, 66, of Warndon, Worcester signed the book of condolence at the Cathedral. “Thank you isn’t enough. It’s just not enough,” she said.

She came into the city centre especially to sign the book.

Aly Buckle, 74, of Farnham in Surrey, lit a candle for Her Majesty.

"The Queen was a true and faithful servant to the end," she said, fighting back tears.

Angela Moule, 64, of Thames Drive, Droitwich, laid flowers for the Queen and signed the book of condolence. She kissed her hand and placed it tenderly on the bouquet she had laid.

Mrs Moule said: “She meant a great deal. She was an amazing lady, what she did for us. I’ve always watched everything she had done, her life. She coped with everything. She inspired me throughout my life. She was an amazing mum, nan and great nan. She had good times and bad times as well. She showed us how to muddle through them. We’re going to be very lost without her.”