Stephen Hawking memorial service open to public at Westminster Abbey

Stephen Hawking's memorial service will be open to the public at Westminster Abbey next month.

Up to 1,000 tickets will be available in a ballot for the special service on June 15, during which the award-winning scientist's ashes will be interred between Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Stephen Hawking was considered one of the greatest physicists in the world. Hawking.com

The family said they were grateful for allowing Professor Hawking 'such a distinguished final resting place'.

The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said the event would celebrate 'not only his remarkable achievements as a scientist, but also his character and endurance through his years living with a devastating illness'.

After the service Westminster Abbey will open its doors to allow the public to pay their respects at Hawking's grave.

It comes after a smaller funeral for Hawking, who was considered one of the world's greatest physicists, was held near his home at the university church, Great St Mary's, in Cambridge, on March 31.

Eddie Redmayne, who played Hawking in the film about his life, The Theory of Everything, spoke at the service alongside several others.

You can apply for tickets for the Westminster Abbey thanksgiving service at stephenhawkinginterment.com.

The ballot closes at midnight on May 15.

News
Blue plaque unveiled at Agatha Christie's childhood church
Blue plaque unveiled at Agatha Christie's childhood church

As far as we know, the church is not famous for a disproportionate number of mystery murders taking place nearby.

Humanist weddings may outnumber Protestant ones in Northern Ireland
Humanist weddings may outnumber Protestant ones in Northern Ireland

Catholic and civil weddings remain the most popular but humanist ceremonies are becoming increasingly common.

Climate protests held at cathedrals across England
Climate protests held at cathedrals across England

A series of protests took place during the weekend at several Church of England cathedrals and abbeys, where members of the group, Christian Climate Action, called on the church to take a stronger stance on climate change.

The good news about repentance
The good news about repentance

It's such a loaded word but, when properly understood, it's the pathway to joy.