MUFFLED bells have rung out across the town in honour of Prince Philip.

And more bells will sound tomorrow morning.  

Last night, bells rang out in Wanborough and Liddington – with Tower Captain Tony Pullan also tolling a tenor bell 99 times at Bishopstone’s St Mary’s Church.

Mr Pullan, of St Andrew’s Church, Wanborough, and All Saints Church, Liddington, said: “It has happened at a time when there is very little bell ringing going on. Because of the coronavirus all the bell ringers are out of practice at the moment so the ringing that I did was really concentrated on ringing slowly and solemnly.

“It’s something that only an experienced ringer can do well. After you’ve rung a bell once you have virtually to stop the bell and count ‘one, two, three’ then start again.”

A bell will be rung 99 times at St Mary’s church, in the grounds of Lydiard Park, tomorrow morning before the Communion service.

The vicar, Revd Capt Clive Deverell, said: “It’s a mark of respect for the duke’s many years of loyal service. One of the things that people don’t realise is he had a keen interest in spirituality and set up a lot of support for and encouraged support for clergy. He was very interested in supporting people in their spiritual journey.”

Revd Simon Stevenette of Christ Church, Old Town, said: “We give our thanks for his years of service to our country, to our Queen and all he’s given in so many ways to charities across the west and the country. Our prayers are for the Queen and her family on this very sad day.” The Adver understands the church may ring a single bell to mark the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral. 

At midday on Saturday, gun salutes were fired across the UK, in Gibraltar and at sea to mark the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Saluting batteries began firing 41 rounds at one round every minute at midday on Saturday in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well from Royal Navy warships.