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
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.