“Our churches are open for everyone. To light a candle, say a prayer, sign a book of condolence, lay some flowers, talk to someone about your feelings and thoughts. We are here for you. Her loss will be felt most heavily by her family and we remember them in our prayers. Let us all give thanks for Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The Very Revd Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells said: “Wells Cathedral has received the news of the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen with huge sadness. Hers was a life of faith, duty and loyalty that brought such reassurance and a sense of unity to so many.

“She has been a source of constancy and strength to many throughout her reign and has provided stability in a world that has changed so much. Our prayers are for the King, the Royal Family, and loved ones. The doors of this cathedral stand open for all who wish to offer prayers and condolences, light candles and find solace as this nation mourns the passing of someone so very special. May our late and beloved Queen rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The cathedral is also open for people to attend services, pray and reflect, to leave floral tributes, and sign a book of condolence.

Somerset Freemason’s said it was “with the greatest sadness that they learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth”.

Queen Elizabeth’s father and the Duke of Edinburgh were both Freemasons, and her cousin, the Duke of Kent, has been Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England since 1967. Another cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, has been Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales since 1982.

Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath said the Queen’s death was “devastating news”. “The Queen was a loyal and committed stateswoman who represented the best of the country for 70 years,” she added. “The reaction shows in what massive esteem the Queen is held. The Queen represented duty and courage, as well as warmth and compassion. She was a living reminder of our collective past, of the greatest generation and their sacrifices for our freedom.”