Church bells tolled 96 times at All Saints Church in Ryde and across the Isle of Wight at midday in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
For the first time in over 70 years, fully muffled bells – which turns the familiar peal into a dull-sounding hum – were heard across towns and villages as campanologists (bell ringers) gathered in churches to pay their respects to the longest-reigning monarch.
Island Echo headed to one of the largest churches on the Island, All Saints in Ryde, to live broadcast the historic moment from the bell chamber.
The bells at All Saints were cast by John Taylor of Loughborough and installed in 1886 – 136 years ago. They weigh a total of 4.79 tons and were last rung in their fully muffled form when King George VI died in 1952.
A book of condolence has been opened in the church, with further information on other books expected to be released in due course.
Unfortunately the residents of Thorley , Wellow were not allowed the priviledge of hearing the midday Muffled Church bells of condolence due to the Clay Pigeon shoot at Tapnell Farm Amusement park which have been going on all day instead having to listen to continuous shot gun blasts which resembled a War Zone , I consider it was disrespectful considering many other events on the Island have been cancelled or postponed including tomorrows cycle race .
Get a life Terry, some people need to work, come what may.
Many events across the Island have been cancelled or postponed in respect of the demise of the Queen including the much publicised cycle race , car boot sales , PO workers refrained from their strike sctions all in respect to the queen . These ” Gun Nuts” chose to ignore a day of mourning to continue their sport (disrespectful ) I trust you do not live in an area where you have to listen to the constant noise of Shot Guns blasting off all day. In this day and age many Clay Pigeon Shoots are Computor Lazer firing guns which mimic reality but do not create a noise nuisance to surrounding areas wild life etc .
Well done all of you. Such a beautiful tribute.