The sun shone on an uncharacteristically quiet morning in Manchester city centre. It was a strange morning; the mood sombre, contemplative.
The news of Her Majesty the Queen's death the day before was still sinking in for many. A few bunches of flowers had been laid, catching the glances of people clutching coffees making their way to the office.
As morning turned to afternoon, more people arrived to pay tribute to Elizabeth II. Soon, flowers surrounded the statue of Richard Cobden outside St Ann's Church. Some were in tears as they took a moment to pay their respects to a figure who has been a constant in their lives.
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Just after midday the heavens opened, but not before a family from Eccles could pay their respects. Carly Everall travelled into the city centre with Roxy Ayre and 4-year-old Arnie Everall.
"It just felt very important to do," she said.
"We were actually very surprised by how upset we've been, so we really felt we needed to do something to mark it. We didn't see the initial news that she was ill, only when she had died and it was very upsetting.
"She was a very strong woman, a very strong figure for women to look up to. She led with dignity and respect, it really is a massive loss."
The St Ann's Church flag was at half-mast as dozens of people laid flowers, with many also holding newspapers filled with tributes to the monarch. Some simply took a quiet moment to reflect.
Handwritten cards from primary school children were laid.
Leader of Manchester council, Bev Craig, and Lord Mayor Coun Donna Ledford paid their respects on behalf of the city and left bouquets. "We're are here on behalf of the city as people reflect and mourn the loss of the Queen," Coun Craig told the Manchester Evening News.
"She served Manchester and the nation with dignity for over 70 years and we are here to pay tribute as a mark of respect on behalf of residents across the city who may not be able to make it. Many people I've spoken to are very surprised at how much emotion they've been feeling as you can never prepare for a loss like this.
"There have been plans in place for many years to try and prepare for this but it's difficult when it actually comes. We really wanted somewhere where people could come and pay their respects and being able to lay flowers here is a great place to do it.
"There is also the book of condolences at the central library which I would encourage people to use to pay their respects, me and the mayor (Andy Burnham) were the first to do this this morning to show our respects and I would encourage anyone who wants to do this to take do so. Over the next two weeks people can lay their flowers here but we would ask people to take the plastic wrapping off before doing this so it is a lasting tribute. There will be many more fitting tributes over the next few weeks too."
"Manchester always comes together so well in these circumstances," Coun Ledford added.
"People are coming together in remorse and dignity and it's lovely to see many people coming down here to pay their respects. If people are feeling very upset they can come here and talk to others, it's a very nice place to have this."
Coun Craig added: "We have faced an unprecedented time over recent weeks but when times get tough people really come together in this city and this will be no different."
A lighter moment came in St Ann's Square when 14-year-old Corgi Choochoo was walked through bringing a smile to everyone's face.
We have turned comments off on this story but you can share your tribute in our online condolence book.
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