Church bells have tolled ahead of a special service to be held at Rochester Cathedral in memory of the Queen.

There was a mood of "solemn reflection" as members of the community calmly made their way into the place of worship earlier today.

The toll of muffled church bells could be heard throughout the Medway town and also across Kent shortly after midday as residents gathered to pay their respects following the death of the Queen.

Her Majesty died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle yesterday surrounded by members of the Royal Family.

A book of condolence has opened at the Cathedral for the public to sign a special commemorative service of evening song will take place at 5.30pm.

Speaking from the diocese earlier, the Dean of Rochester Canon Dr Philip Hesketh said there was a strong sense of "solemness and sadness".

The Very Revd said: "The mood has been one of solemn reflection.

"There's been a peace and calm about the cathedral as people have gently moved in and there is that around the precincts as well really."

Her Majesty, as head of the Church of England, has visited Rochester Cathedral on several occasions.

Reflecting personally on her passing, Revd Hesketh, who met the Queen through his role, described her as a "true conversationalist" and someone who would put you instantly at ease.

The religious leader said: "I think I will be probably be echoing lots of sentiments from people around the country in saying that she has constantly been there.

"She has been a constant presence through the changing scenes of life really and our own country has been through difficult times.

"We get fed up with politics but she has kind of been above that and has given that kind of dignity to our nation and I think that will be sorely missed."

Revd Hesketh went on to commend her "service to the people" as an inspirational role model with a profound "sense of duty".

"I think it is hugely important she had a very deep Christian faith," he added. "Obviously she was the supreme governor of the Church of England, a role she took very seriously."

The Bishop of Rochester Jonathan Gibbs also paid tribute to the Queen and her dedication to others.

"It is hard for us to imagine that the Queen that has reigned over our nation for over 70 years is no longer with us," he said.

"On the other hand it's also a day to pause and reflect and give thanks to to her wonderful life. A life dedicated to our service, the nation and the Commonwealth.

"And a life full of faith, hope and love in the Christian faith which was so important to her Majesty."

But it wasn't just the Church of England that held her in high regard and other faiths have come forward to pay their respects.

The Bishop said: "Many have spoken out from other faith communities to say how much they valued the way in which she valued faith and faiths within the life of our nation.

He described her approached to faith as "roots down, walls down".

"Her roots were very strongly down in her own Christian faith, there was no two ways about that," he explained

"But equally her walls were down in terms of her openness to people from other faiths and affirming those of all faiths and none."

Flags around the diocese are also being flown at half-mast today and floral tributes are appearing up and down the country.

This includes opposite at Rochester Castle where people gathered from near and far to pay their respects.

Among them were Royalists Andrew and Karen Davison, who had travelled down from Biggin Hill, near Westerham, Sevenoaks.

The English Heritage charity members had always wanted to visit the town and believed today was the right time to do so in light of the Queen's passing.

"It has come as quite a shock," said Richard, 66. "They were saying on the news she was ill and they generally would not do that unless it was serious."

"It just seemed quite sudden because she had just met the incoming Prime Minister."

Partner Karen, 62, described the Queen as the "best role model", adding her service to the nation was "incredible".

"She never wavered from her duty and I think it is incredible that someone can serve that long."

Outside the Cathedral, Warren Todd was also reflecting on the role the Queen has played over the last 70 years.

"I have always said that I never really understood what the Monarchy did until recently," the Borstal resident said.

"But now I can see the benefits she brought both to the UK and throughout the Commonwealth."

The 36-year-old also passed on his wellwishes to King Charles III and his son Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.

The Queen's death has triggered a period of mourning leading up to the first state funeral in England in almost 60 years and several events have been cancelled across the country.

King Charles is expected to address the nation at 6pm following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen steered the monarchy through turbulent times, as Britain’s Empire ended and its place in the world fundamentally changed.

She was head of state of the UK and 14 other countries, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica.