Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Lights Out: First World War Centenary

Tuesday 05 August 2014 14:54 BST

Big Ben strikes 11pm as the lights turn off on iconic buildings while London marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War I (Getty Images Europe)

These extraordinary images show lights going out across Britain last night as the country united to mark the eve of the First World War 100 years ago.

Landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral all went dark from 10pm, as the UK was urged to leave just one light on or candle burning for an hour approaching the declaration of war.

The “Lights Out” project, organised by the Royal British Legion, was inspired by a famous comment made by the then Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, shortly before the war began on 4 August 1914.

“The lamps are going out all over Europe,” Sir Edward said. “We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Show all 14

1/14In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

Big Ben strikes 11pm as the lights turn off on iconic buildings while London marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War I

Getty Images Europe

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

Candles placed in specially made glass poppies are displayed on the war memorial during an evening 'Light's Out' ceremony in Yarm, United Kingdom

Getty Images

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

The Houses of Parliament are seen from Westminster Bridge before the lights are turned off on iconic buildings around London to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War I

Getty

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

Members of the Jewish community attend a Lights Out WWI Remembrance Ceremony at the Bevis Marks Synagogue in London

Getty Images Europe

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

People light candles during a Vigil of Prayer and Penitence on the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War at Bath Abbey, where they observed the Lights Out event happening Nationwide in the UK to commemorate Britain joining the war at 11pm on 4th August 1914

PA Wire

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

Piccadilly Circus is illuminated before the lights are turned off on iconic buildings as the city marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. Monday 4th August marked the 100th Anniversary of Great Britain declaring war on Germany

Getty

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

Army cadets listen during a service as they attend a 'Light's Out' vigil. Monday 4th August marks the 100th anniversary of Great Britain declaring war on Germany

Ian Forsyth

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

The lights are turned off on some of the London Eye's pods. Lights went out in homes across Britain on Monday as part of commemorations marking 100 years since the outbreak of World War I, which claimed the lives of nearly one million Britons

AFP/Getty

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

People light candles during a Vigil of Prayer and Penitence on the centenary of the outbreak of World War I

PA Wire

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

The London Eye is seen from Westminster Bridge before the lights are turned off on iconic buildings around London to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War I

Getty Images

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

The London light installation for Lights Out looms above Westminster for the First World War centenary, Westminster Abbey, London

REX

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

A single illuminated lantern is left outside the door of 10 Downing Street in London. Lights went out in homes across Britain on Monday as part of commemorations marking 100 years since the outbreak of World War I

AFP/Getty

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

A 'roll of honour' commemorating more than two thousand residents from London's Westminister borough, who fought and died in WWI, is projected onto Piccadilly Circus in London

AFP/Getty Images

In pictures: First World War Centenary marked by Lights Out across Britain

Lights Out

The Houses of Parliament are seen in darkness as the lights are turned off iconic buildings as the city marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War I

Getty

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies