A single candle left burning at No 10 to mark WWI

 Wikimedia

Prime Minister David Cameron was among many across Britain who commemorated the centenary of the First World War by switching off the lights at Downing Street this evening.

A single candle was left burning on the doorstep of Number 10 as a symbol of remembrance of those who died in the war.

LIGHTS OUT – One Million Candles to Remember, was a national project initiated by The Royal British Legion, encouraging people around the country to switch off all household lights and light a single candle between 10 and 11pm.

The project was inspired by the words of Sir Edward Grey, then British foreign secretary, on the eve of war. He said: "The lights are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lighted again in our lifetime."

Westminster Abbey joined in the commemorations by holding a vigil, which included music, scripture and contemporary readings. Towards the end of the vigil, the Abbey moved from light to darkness, leaving a single candle burning by the grave of the unknown warrior, until that too was extinguished at 11pm.

related articles
1,000 poppies to bloom in remembrance of World War One

1,000 poppies to bloom in remembrance of World War One

Poppies planted at Archbishop of York\'s residence in memory of World War One fallen
Poppies planted at Archbishop of York's residence in memory of World War One fallen

Poppies planted at Archbishop of York's residence in memory of World War One fallen

\'They died that we might live\': York Minster remembers city\'s World War One fallen
'They died that we might live': York Minster remembers city's World War One fallen

'They died that we might live': York Minster remembers city's World War One fallen

Edith Cavell to feature on Royal Mint\'s new £5 coin
Edith Cavell to feature on Royal Mint's new £5 coin

Edith Cavell to feature on Royal Mint's new £5 coin

How churches responded to the outbreak of war
How churches responded to the outbreak of war

How churches responded to the outbreak of war

Remembering the Great War: Seven lessons we must learn 100 years on
Remembering the Great War: Seven lessons we must learn 100 years on

Remembering the Great War: Seven lessons we must learn 100 years on

News
Reflections on turning 75
Reflections on turning 75

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster shares her reflections and wisdom of the years as she turns 75.

Which type of tree did Zacchaeus actually climb?
Which type of tree did Zacchaeus actually climb?

20 April is the feast day of Zacchaeus of Jericho. We all know the account of Zacchaeus climbing a tree to see Jesus. However, it turns out not to have been a sycamore tree at all. This is the story …

Global Church leaders urge renewed focus on cities as key to spreading the Gospel
Global Church leaders urge renewed focus on cities as key to spreading the Gospel

The Lausanne Movement is urging Christians around the world to see cities as one of the most important frontiers for mission, as rapid urbanisation continues to reshape where and how people live.

Pro-lifers show Parliament harsh reality of abortion up to birth
Pro-lifers show Parliament harsh reality of abortion up to birth

Under the changes, a woman who terminates her pregnancy by herself after the 24-week limit will not face any legal sanctions.