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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National

Tower of London flames: Best photos of remembrance memorial lights and how to watch on Armistice Day

This stunning selection of photos show the Tower of London's Armistice memorial lights in all their beauty.

Nightly ceremonies are taking place until Remembrance Sunday when 10,000 flames are lit by hand in the empty moat encircling the Tower.

Tonight is your last chance to see the magnificent installation.

What’s the significance of the Tower of London flames?

The installation, Beyond The Deepening Shadow, is to mark 100 years since the close of the First World War.

The 10,000 flames represent not just the soldiers who lost their lives, but all those who were bereaved or affected by the war.

Each flame is ceremonially lit, creating a circle of light around the tower as a powerful symbol of remembrance.

Tower of London illuminated by thousands of torches for First World War centenary

Who lights the Tower of London flames?

A ceremonial Beefeater guard began the lighting ceremony on Sunday evening by bringing a flame down from the tower into the moat, which had been submerged in smoke.

Midshipman Balraj Dhanda of the Royal Navy, a volunteer who helped light the flames, described the spectacle as "really, really powerful".

"I think it creates the right atmosphere for people to have their own personal reflections and gives people time with their own thoughts," he added.

A Beefeater marks a minute of silence at the Beyond the Deepening Shadows installation at the Tower of London. (Jeremy Selwyn)

Did the Tower of London poppies inspire this installation?

After the success of the 2014 display of poppies at the tower, Historic Royal Palaces, who maintain the landmark, were keen to mark the centenary of the Armistice with something that represents all those affected by WW1.

How to watch the Tower of London flames

Members of the public can see the spectacle for free from 5pm each day, leading up to Remembrance Sunday. The lighting takes 4--50 minutes and the flames remain lit for around four hours.

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