Hundreds gather at Pershore Abbey for special service in memory of Queen

The Abbey held a special service on Sunday night to honour Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Canon Claire Lording led the service which culminated in the National Moment of Reflection at 8pm.

Trudy Burge, a spokesperson for Pershore Abbey, said: “You will see by the number of candles that we had a very full Abbey yesterday evening as over 200 people throughout the benefice and beyond joined us for our Service of Commemoration for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

“It was a beautiful service of quiet and reflection led by Canon Claire during which Psalm 23 was read along with Revelation 21.1-7.

“The congregation were able to light a candle for Her Late Majesty and they were all placed on the altar table creating a glorious light of love from our community.

“The national minute of silence was observed at 8pm and the service ended with God Save the King.”

Mrs Burge added: “We are enormously grateful to everyone who was able to join us and we very much hope that they were able to take comfort from being together as a community in our beautiful ancient abbey church.”

READ MORE: Evesham community comes together to watch Queen’s funeral at pubs and cinema

Canon Claire Lording led the service (Image: Canon Claire Lording led the service)

READ MORE: Streets of Evesham empty as shops close for funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

After the service, many of those who attended stayed around to sign the book of condolence and lay flowers outside at the Preaching Cross.

The service was also recorded, and those unable to attend can watch it now via YouTube.

Today, the Abbey has continued to pay tribute to the Queen, with the bells ringing a muffled peal from 9:30am, tolling up to 11am and the start of the funeral.

The Abbey will remain open until 5:30pm, while the book of condolence will be closed on Tuesday, September 20, at 5:30pm as per protocol.

Flowers were left outside the Abbey (Image: Flowers were left outside the Abbey)