Romsey Abbey sees influx of visitors after the death of the Queen

The abbey had a book of condolences which around 3,500 signed, writing personal messages of thanks for the Queen's long reign.

A commemoration service was held on September 18 and the funeral was live-streamed for an audience of 60 people on September 19.

Romsey Abbey vicar, Revd Thomas Wharton, said: "Following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Romsey Abbey saw an influx of visitors coming to pay their respects and to sign the book of condolence.

"Between September 9 and 20, the opening times of the abbey were extended and just under 10,000 people came through the abbey doors.

"On Sunday September 18, at 7.30pm, a commemoration service was led by the Bishop of Southampton, Rt Revd Debbie Sellin with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Andrew Kent, the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Alan Dowden, the Mayor of Romsey Cllr Neil Gwynne and civic leaders in attendance. The abbey was filled to capacity with over 600 in attendance and the service included the national one minute silence at 8pm. 

"On Monday September 19 the abbey remained open to stream the state funeral which was watched by a gathering of some 60 people. 

READ MORE: Photos show Romsey as it mourns on the day of her funeral

"Throughout the period of national mourning, the abbey observed protocols for 'London Bridge' which included muffling the bells so they ring with a softer sound and flying the union flag at half-mast. 

"The high volume of visitors showed the high regard people of Romsey held Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Many people in the town have memories of the Queen's frequent visits to Romsey, Broadlands and the Abbey. The influx of visitors was made possible thanks to the hard work of abbey volunteer stewards, the abbey technical team, flower arrangers, the verger team and clergy. It was an historic occasion which people will remember for many years to come."

Romsey town mayor, Cllr Neil Gwynne, said: "My wife and I went up to London on the day of the funeral as my wife’s son, having joined the navy in February of this year, was one of the ratings lining Parliament Square as the procession went by.

"Unfortunately we could not get close to that and had to watch on the many screens in Hyde Park which was full, and adjacent to the guns firing each minute.

"My thoughts on the day - it was flawless, as we all knew it would be. As another journalist remarked, I think we have now seen the end of the post-war era. What follows will be different, but what has now ended will never be forgotten."

Romsey MP Caroline Nokes said: "Like most people I was deeply moved by HM The Queen’s incredible state funeral.  There was such attention to detail and the pallbearers and the Naval Ratings who pulled the gun carriage did such an important job so perfectly.

"I watched at home, struck by how dignified the Royal Family all were, even Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who are so young to have attended such a personally important and nationally significant event. I will never forget that a family has lost its mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and of course at the same time their and our Queen.

"On the eve of the funeral I attended the service in Romsey Abbey, which was absolutely full, and an opportunity for the community to come together to mark the national moment of reflection.  It was a beautiful service, led by Rev Wharton and Bishop Debbie, and again I was impressed by how much our late Queen has meant to the community in Romsey."