“EVEN in a thousand years’ time people will look back at the second Elizabethan area as an exceptional period.” 

These are the words of Christchurch MP Sir Chris Chope paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II after her death on Thursday afternoon aged 96. 

Thousands of people are mourning in Christchurch as the Queen’s reign of more than 70 years finally comes to an end. 

A book of condolence was open at Christchurch library in High Street as well as at Christchurch Priory, where it will remain for the rest of next week for anybody to pay their respects. 

Bournemouth Echo: Christchurch PrioryChristchurch Priory (Image: Bournemouth Daily Echo)

Sir Chris Chope, MP for Christchurch, reflected on what the Queen meant to the country and looked at how she will be remembered in the future.

He said: “It's the end of the second Elizabethan era and all those of us who have been privileged enough to live through it can only count our blessings.  

“The Queen exemplified everything that was best about Britain; through her personality, everything she did, her sense of duty and loyalty.  

“She was unassuming, quietly got on with it with unblemished principles. She was always charming, witty, engaging and made you feel at home.  

Bournemouth Echo: Christchurch PrioryChristchurch Priory (Image: NQ)

“She was a remarkable woman and even in 1000 years' time people will look back at it as an exceptional period. We are very privileged to have lived during it.” 

At Christchurch Priory, more than 500 people had gathered on Friday morning to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II by signing a book of condolence, lighting a candle or simply sitting and remembering. 

Rev Richard Partridge said a prayer for the Queen in the early afternoon. 

Bournemouth Echo: Flowers for the QueenFlowers for the Queen (Image: NQ)

Colin Bacchurst, a church warden, said: “We only know a world where the Queen was around; she has always been there. She has been quietly leading the country for over 70 years.” 

A table with a photograph of the Queen lay outside the church on the grounds next to the North Porch. Flowers were placed by mourners. 

“We’ll miss her. God bless the king,” said 75-year-old Gail Greene. 

Bournemouth Echo: Book of condolence in Christchurch PrioryBook of condolence in Christchurch Priory (Image: NQ)

With her, Steve Greene, 64, added: “She had a lovely smile throughout all she had seen throughout her life. 

Mark Sherring, 57, a police officer who worked at Windsor Castle, was outside Buckingham Palace on the evening the news broke.

He said: “I got to meet here on a few occasions. She was very down to earth.”