The darkened clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, showing only the time: 11pm, the hour Britain went to war on August 4th 1914

‘Lights out’ and vigils mark Britain going to war 100 years ago

Lights were darkened on many buildings in Britain on August 4th 2014 to mark the 100th anniversary of the country entering the First World War.

People across the UK were invited to take part by displaying a single lamp or candle for an hour until 11pm, the hour war was declared on Germany in 1914.

The call was inspired by the words of the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, on the eve of hostilities.

Looking out from the windows of the Foreign Office, he observed: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

One hundred years on, a single light shone from those same windows to commemorate the Centenary.

Nearby, the Houses of Parliament were also darkened, apart from the clock face of Big Ben.

Candlelit vigils were held at Westminster Abbey and places of worship across Britain.

‘Lights Out’ was organised as part of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s Centenary cultural programme.

Images: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News

Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News