The death of our Queen

This image of Queen Elizabeth was taken at the Badminton Horse Trials by former Bath Chronicle photographer Geoff Ellis who sent it to Bath Newseum as his tribute to her late Majesty.

Details are emerging of how Bath & North East Somerset will be joining the nation in mourning the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Union Flag will be flying half-mast at the Bath Guildhall, Keynsham Memorial Gardens and Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service as a mark of respect.

Councillor Shaun Stephenson McGall, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “On behalf of the council, and the people of Bath and North East Somerset, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family.

“We are truly saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who visited our area on a number of occasions and was much admired by the people of Bath and North East Somerset.

“As well as being a respected figurehead locally, nationwide and worldwide, we must remember that at heart, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. And it is with her family that our thoughts lie at this difficult time. We hope and pray that they will find comfort and strength in each other and through our own words of respect and remembrance.”  

“Many people will wish to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who was held in great affection and respect.

“On behalf of the people of Bath and North East Somerset, we are flying flags on our buildings at half-mast and invite those wishing to leave a message of sympathy for the Royal Family to do so in one of our books of condolence which are now open.

People are also welcome to lay flowers in Parade Gardens in Bath, in Keynsham Memorial Gardens, in the Hollies Garden in Midsomer Norton and Haycombe Cemetery, to honour the Queen.”

Please note that the Chair’s diary of events has been suspended until further notice, and there may be some disruption to services as the council assists with the local response.

For more details visit: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/hm-queen-elizabeth-ii

Books of condolence opening hours:

• Guildhall, Bath 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm on Friday and Saturday
• Keynsham Community Space 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm on Friday and Saturday
• Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm on Friday, and 9.30am to 1.30pm on Saturdays

Addresses and opening times for the council’s libraries can be found here: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/find-library-or-information-and-advice-service

Floral tributes can be left at Parade Gardens in Bath, Keynsham Memorial Gardens and the Hollies Garden, Midsomer Norton.  

Council flags will be raised on Proclamation Day and on the day following Proclamation Day they will be returned to half-mast.