Where to find books of condolence in Chelmsford

Books of condolence will be available across the city for people to share their personal messages of mourning and to celebrate the extraordinary life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

City centre

County Hall

Essex County Council have made a book of condolence available for the public at the County Hall in Chelmsford, via the entrance on Duke Street, CM1 1HL. The book is located outside the Council Chamber.

Chelmsford Civic Centre

A book of condolence will be available in the main reception area of the Civic Centre during the building’s opening hours of 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. If you haven’t visited us before, the building can be found on Duke Street near to Chelmsford Theatre and the postcode is CM1 1JE. The building has an accessible ramp as well as steps, and the reception area is on the ground floor. You can visit our website for information about how to get to the Civic Centre.

Chelmsford Cathedral

Chelmsford Cathedral (CM1 1TY) will also have books of condolence available for people to leave their own personal messages. The Cathedral will be open every day between 9am and 6pm for those who would like to sign. 

Riverside Leisure Centre

The council’s flagship leisure centre next to the River Chelmer (Victoria Road, Cm1 1FG) will have a book of condolence in its main foyer. The centre is open 7 days a week from 6am, with closing time at 10pm Monday to Friday and at 7pm at weekends. More details about how to visit the building can be found on the Chelmsford City Sports website.

Old Moulsham and Hylands

Chelmsford Museum

Chelmsford Museum in Oaklands Park (CM2 9AQ) will have a book of condolence that visitors may sign if they wish. The book will be available during the museum’s opening hours from 10am. You can find out more about how to get to the museum.

Chelmsford Crematorium

Chelmsford Crematorium on Writtle Road (CM1 3BL) will also have a book of condolence in their main reception area on weekdays. Check the crematorium website pages for information about opening hours, parking and how to get there before you visit.

Hylands Estate

The visitor information point at The Stables at Hylands Estate will also have a book of condolence for visitors to sign. The opening hours are 10am – 4pm, Monday to Sunday and you can find out more about getting to Hylands and The Stables on the estate’s website.

Melbourne

Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre

Residents in Melbourne will be able to sign a book of condolence at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre. The centre is open throughout the week, but opening hours vary, so check the CSAC website before you visit.

South Woodham Ferrers

South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre

South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre will have a book of condolence in their main foyer during opening hours. The centre is open throughout the week, closing at 10pm on weekdays and 8pm at weekends. Find out more about how to get there on the SWFLC website.

Parishes

Books of condolence will also be available in parishes across the city. Check with your local Parish Council for arrangements in your local area.

Online on The Royal Family website

If you would like to write in an online book of condolence instead, you can share a message on The Royal Family website at https://www.royal.uk/. A selection of these will be passed on to the Royal Family and may be held in the Royal Archives for posterity.

Books of condolence at Chelmsford City Council venues will be available whenever these places are open up until 4pm on Tuesday 20 September.