Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II

North Devon pays a heartfelt tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Pages 18 - 24

The nation and North Devon was stunned when at “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service” - Queen Elizabeth II 6.30pm on a rain-soaked September 8th, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II had died peacefully at her Scottish estate of Balmoral.

Aged 96, she had reigned for 70 years, and had not only recently celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, but just two days before her death she carried out what proved to be her last public engagement, appointing Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister - the 15th PM of her monarchy. In a poignant moment, rainbows formed over Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace during the live television coverage on the evening of her passing, as tributes began to pour in.

Mayor of South Molton, Stephen Lock, said, “South Molton Town Council are deeply saddened by the death of our Queen. We are grateful for the loyal service that she has given to our nation and the Commonwealth for the last 70 years. She has given distinguished leadership in times of war, and in times of peace, and is revered across the world. Through all her hard work she has still found time to be a mother and grandmother, our thoughts are with her family and our condolences go out to them.”

Princess Elizabeth at Castle Hill Filleigh in 1946, with Lady Arran’s parents and grandparents

Lady Arran of Castle Hill, Filleigh, generously shared her rarely seen family photographs of a young Elizabeth on visits to North Devon.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen after her historic and incredible 70 years of service to the country,” said Lady Arran. “Her Majesty visited Devon many times, from as early as 1946 when she was the Princess Elizabeth and heir to the throne and met her beloved husband to be, Prince Philip, in the county.”

A young Princess Elizabeth visiting Castle Hill Filleigh in 1946, standing with Lord & Lady Fortescue Photo courtesy Countess of Arran/North Devon Athenaeum/Peter Christie

The Lord-Lieutenant for Devon, the Queen’s representative in the county, David Fursdon, said she helped guide the nation through a period of great social change.

“This brings to an end the incredible reign of someone who will surely go down in history as one of our greatest monarchs,” he said. “Very many of us have known no one else on the throne, throughout that long period. She has been a rock standing steadfast among the swirling currents of our times, and she will be very sorely missed.”

“She declared after the death of her father that her whole life, whether it be short or long, would be devoted to the service of us all. She certainly carried out that promise, and we remember her today with love and thanks for all that she has done for us.”

A special assembly held at Chulmleigh College, on the morning after the Queen’s death

Pupils and staff at schools across North Devon marked this momentous point in history, with King Charles III immediately becoming monarch after his mother’s death.

At Chulmleigh College, the whole school attended a special assembly on the morning of September 9th, with a minute’s silence and prayers led by Rev Tony Rocky, followed by the singing of the National Anthem ‘God Save The King’ for the first time.

“We express our deepest sympathies for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her dedication to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to her other realms and territories is unparalleled and we are grateful for her service,” said headteacher Michael Johnson.

At midday on September 9th, church bells

tolled in South Molton, Chulmleigh, Chittlehampton and other villages as people signed books of condolence and left floral tributes.

Bell ringers and the book of condolence at St Mary Magdalene Church in South Molton Photos by Karolina Andreasova

Above, the Countess of Arran with Rev Dr Michael Grandey at the opening of the book of condolence at South Molton parish church on September 9th - photo by Karolina Andreasova

Above, as Princess Elizabeth, showing her love of dogs at Castle Hill, Filleigh in 1946 with Lord Fortescue, Opposite page, as Queen Elizabeth with local dignitaries in Barnstaple in May 1956 (courtesy Lady Arran)

Julie Hunt, Chairman of North Devon Council said, “I would like to express the great sadness of the council and people of North Devon at the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.”

“The Queen has touched the lives of so many people. We honour her vital and long-standing work in the areas of public and charitable service. She was a beacon of light to our nation and much-admired by many. Her Majesty’s loss will be deeply felt across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the rest of the world and she will be profoundly missed.”

“Her Majesty made a visit to Barnstaple back in 1956 (photo opposite page), and those who were around on that day remember her visit with fond memories.”

The Countess of Arran, who is Vice Lord Lieutenant of Devon, added, “The county has wonderful memories from her many jubilee tours. The huge flag-waving crowds, full of excitement and affection, reflecting the warmth and interest she showed to all her subjects throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and wherever she visited in the world.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King and the wider Royal Family at this very sad time.” (Continued on next page)

After Queen Elizabeth visited Barnstaple on May 8th 1956 (see p22) as part of her national tour, she was driven down to Eggesford Forest where she and Prince Phillip each planted a tree that still grows today. The ceremony was witnessed by children from Kings Nympton School. Flowers and tributes have now been placed at the memorial.

Current photos by Martin Pailthorpe Archive pictures courtesy of British Pathé