ONE year has passed since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and today, we reflect on Cumbria's commemoration of the beloved monarch.

Her death on September 8, 2022 was an enormous moment. A well-loved and respected monarch, she had been on the throne for 70 years. People had lived and died in her reign.

In the days leading up to her funeral, flags across the county were lowered to half-mast and floral tributes graced the grounds, serving as respect to the late Queen.

A ceremony unfolded within Carlisle Cathedral, where a condolence book welcomed messages of sympathy from the city's residents.

News and Star: The flag being lowered to half mast at council offices.The flag being lowered to half mast at council offices. (Image: Stuart Walker Photography)

Libraries across the county also provided spaces for heartfelt expressions. 

Children from all age groups across Cumbria also got involved in reverence with everything from prayer services, renditions of the national anthem, memorial art lessons and in one case, St Margaret Mary's Primary School pupils even left a card and bouquets of flowers outside Buckingham Palace in her memory. 

With the Queen's death, King Charles III was proclaimed as the new monarch at the City of Carlisle's Proclamation ceremony on September, 11 last year.

Similarly, civic dignitaries and members of the public gathered in both St Nicholas’ Gardens and Allerdale House as the proclamation was read. 

Throughout September, much of the county took a moment to recollect their memories of the monarch, with former MP Dale Campbell-Savours and his wife Gudrun recalling their fond memories of 'a great day' when the Queen visited Workington back in 1980.

News and Star: The Queen arrives at Whitehaven train station in 2008The Queen arrives at Whitehaven train station in 2008 (Image: Mike McKenzie)

Treasured memories were also shared of The Queen’s visit to Whitehaven.

She visited the town on June 5, 2008 and was guest of honour at a special day to mark the 300th anniversary of Whitehaven town and harbour, as well as opening the refurbished Beacon museum.

As people throughout the country gathered around their screens to watch the historic state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II the week after her death, the city of Carlisle fell into silence.

News and Star: Carlisle's Greenmarket falls silent on day of the funeralCarlisle's Greenmarket falls silent on day of the funeral (Image: PMcTaggart)

The streets, typically filled with life, closed their doors as a mark of respect for the late monarch, creating an atmosphere of reverence from 10am onwards. 

The focal point of the city became Bitts Park on September 19, where several hundred people from all walks of life, including many veterans, gathered in front of a large screen broadcasting the state funeral - with Carlisle Cathedral's church bells ringing in the distance as the procession began. 

News and Star: Several hundred gather at Bitts Park to watch the funeral processionSeveral hundred gather at Bitts Park to watch the funeral procession (Image: PMcTaggart)

The event was orchestrated by the former Carlisle City Council, with the screen positioned in front of the Queen Victoria monument with many attendees pitching up for the day. 

The national anthem brought with it a chorus from the attendees.