A Solemn Moment at Oakham Castle: Rutland’s Armistice Day Service, Oakham School Unites in Poignant Tribute, Uppingham School Honours the Fallen

A Solemn Moment at Oakham Castle: Rutland’s Armistice Day Service

The historic grounds of Oakham Castle provided the backdrop for Rutland's official Service of Remembrance this Armistice Day, as the community paused to honour those who have fallen in conflict.

The short, poignant service was led by Venerable John Ellis CB, the former Chaplain in Chief to the Royal Air Force. His leadership brought a distinguished military reverence to the occasion, reflecting Rutland’s deep and continuing connections to the Armed Forces.

The centrepiece of the commemoration was the observance of the two-minute silence at 11:00 am, marking the exact moment the Armistice was signed in 1918. 

The attendance of representatives from local military units and veterans’ organisations, underscored the service’s importance. Their attendance reaffirmed the county's commitment to perpetually honouring the profound sacrifice made by service personnel, past and present. The ceremony served as a unified, dignified tribute, ensuring the promise to "never forget" remains central to the Rutland community.

Oakham School Unites in Poignant Armistice Day Tribute

The entire Oakham School community came together this Armistice Day in a deeply moving tribute, gathering outside the school’s Memorial Chapel to honour the fallen. This year’s service was particularly significant, marking the centenary year of the Chapel itself—a structure built precisely to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The scene outside the historic Chapel was one of both pride and poignant reflection. Students, staff, and members of the wider community stood shoulder-to-shoulder, uniting generations in a shared moment of silence and remembrance.

The Memorial Chapel stands as a powerful, permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by Oakhamians throughout history. Its centenary year adds profound weight to the annual act of remembrance.

The service, held under the gaze of the Chapel's stone walls, was a moving occasion that underscored the School’s enduring commitment to honouring its history and instilling a sense of duty and respect in its pupils. It was a proud and unified moment, ensuring the memories of the fallen are preserved for future generations.

Uppingham School Honours the Fallen on Armistice Day

Uppingham School maintained its solemn tradition of remembrance this Armistice Day, paying tribute to the hundreds of former pupils who lost their lives in service.

The heart of the School's commemoration centres on its magnificent War Memorial Shrine within the School Chapel, a deeply sacred space dedicated to the Old Uppinghamians who fell in the First World War. This is where the community's focus rests as the Eleventh Hour is marked.

For decades, the School has ensured that the memory of its fallen is perpetually honoured, typically through a dedicated Service of Remembrance. These gatherings often unite the entire school body, alongside staff and sometimes members of the wider community, in an act of respectful quiet reflection, marked by the traditional two-minute silence.

The service serves as a powerful reminder of the profound cost of conflict, educating the current generation about the sacrifices made by their predecessors. It is an annual moment of collective solidarity, ensuring that the legacy of those remembered on the memorial panels remains an integral and poignant part of Uppingham's identity.