‘Our lives will change’: Queen’s death prompts outpouring of affection from politicians and residents in Islington

The Queen is welcomed at Islington Town Hall in 1953. Photograph: Islington Council / Islington Local History Centre

“You will never be replaced,” said one Islington resident in a tribute to the Queen.

People have left flowers at the Town Hall on Upper Street – scene of several happy visits by the late monarch – and signed a book of condolence there.

The Queen’s portrait is wreathed by a black cloth to mark her passing.

Islington’s mayor Marian Spall, reflecting the feelings of many residents, said: “The Queen had a special place in countless hearts, and inspired huge respect, loyalty and affection.”

As mourners consider the impact of the Queen’s 70-year reign, Islington Council has shared memories of her many visits to the north London borough.

It has extended its special free exhibition, Islington Celebrates the Queen, at the Local History Centre on St John Street until Saturday 17 September.

The display was originally curated to celebrate this summer’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen first visit to Islington as ruler came in June 1953 during her coronation tour.

The Queen celebrates her Silver Jubilee in 1977. Photograph: Islington Council / Islington Local History Centre

The young monarch was driven down Upper Street and welcomed at Islington Town Hall by then mayor Charles Frederick Rodgers.

Twenty-five years later, it was the turn of then mayor Bert Stanfield to welcome Her Majesty as she visited Highbury Fields in July 1977 as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Among her many other visits to Islington was a call to the children at Hungerford Primary School on York Way in 1967. The following year she visited St John’s Gate, Clerkenwell.

Moorfields Eye Hospital recently welcomed the Queen and Prince Philip to open it up following refurbishments. It was one of many visits to the busy City Road hospital, where she was patron.

In 1996, the Queen visited Finsbury Barracks and in 1999 she visited the Almeida Theatre, where she met actors and the artistic director.

In 2000, she helped pupils and staff celebrate the 300th anniversary of Clerkenwell Parochial School, and 2011 saw her meet students at City & Islington College on Goswell Road.

In December 2017, she visited St Mary’s Church in Upper Street. The church is now open for quiet prayer and contemplation after her passing.

A memorial service was held at the church, where prayers were said “to give thanks for her life”.

Amongst the messages of condolence at Islington Town Hall, one resident wrote: “To our Queen, thank you for your loyalty, commitment and moral standing, your service to our Great United Kingdom and Commonwealth. Our lives will change. You will never be replaced.”