FINAL GOODBYE TO ANN WIDDECOMBE: Family And Friends Gather At Her Beloved Buckfast Abbey — But One Absence Does Not Go Unnoticed 👇
A private funeral for Ann Widdecombe is being held at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, where the former Tory MP and Reform UK spokesperson regularly worshipped before she died aged 78
She was outspoken, feisty and a ‘good and faithful servant’ in life. In death, Ann Widdecombe made her final journey with a private funeral service restricted to her family and close friends.
It was held in the church which she called her ‘safe haven’. The former MP was a popular figure at Buckfast Abbey close to her Devon home and a devoted member of the congregation.
A requiem mass remembered the firebrand campaigner who remained true to her often controversial views. She was ‘more lampooned, insulted and sniggered at than almost any other politician, certainly any male politician,’ said Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast.
Ann Widdecombe’s coffin ahead of the funeral(Image: Mike Davies on behalf of Buckfast Abbey/PA Wire)
He told mourners that though she was called many cruel names, she “not only turned the other cheek, she laughed at every new jibe.”
Ms Widdecombe regularly travelled eight miles to the Abbey from Haytor, on Dartmoor. Ms Widdecombe, a former Tory MP and later Reform UK spokesperson, died on July 8 aged 78, after she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor. Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged with her murder on July 20.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, died on July 8 after she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home(Image: Mike Davies on behalf of Buckfast Abbey/PA Wire)
“Ann was always present here at the Vigil Mass,” Rt Rev David Charlesworth added. “During the year, Ann faithfully attended the Solemn Mass on Sundays and Holydays.
“Sir Christian Sweeting said that her faith was ‘not merely something she professed, still less something she confined to Sundays, but the foundation on which she ordered her life’.
The funeral took place at Buckfast Abbey(Image: Mike Davies on behalf of Buckfast Abbey/PA Wire)
“She rendered an exceptional service to the church by demonstrating that faith need not be hidden or apologised for in public life.
“At a time when many regarded religious conviction as something best kept private, she spoke plainly and fearlessly as a Catholic.
Dozens of close family and friends paid their respects to Ann(Image: Mike Davies on behalf of Buckfast Abbey/PA Wire)
Her family requested the private service held by the working monastery in Buckfastleigh, Devon(Image: Mike Davies on behalf of Buckfast Abbey/PA Wire)
“For Ann, says Peter Stanford in the Tablet, friendship did not follow party lines. Indeed she liked you better once you had survived a vigorous debate with her. Her voice…certainly upset some.
“In the midst of the shock, clamour and sometimes unwarranted comment surrounding her death, our response is to pray for the repose of her soul, to give thanks for her fortitude, and offer Holy Mass in this Abbey Church which Ann called her safe haven.”
The Requiem Mass of Ann Widdecombe at Buckfast Abbey, Devon(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
The congregation was told that she will hear the Lord’s words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Her family requested the private service held by the working monastery in Buckfastleigh, Devon. Known for its soaring central lantern ceiling, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful gardens, the service took place against the stunning backdrop of the River Dart valley.
Mourners are seen following Ms Widdecombe’s coffin(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
There was music from Bach, a Gregorian chant and the hymns ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’. The liturgy included a scripture reading with the line: ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
In the final prayer, there was a request to God: “Our servant Ann, whom you called to journey to you, and, since she hoped and believed in you, grant that she may be led to our true homeland to delight in its everlasting joys.”
Ms Widdecombe died aged 78(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Outside, a tight security operation was underway, with police officers and sniffer dogs searching the grounds. A spokesperson for the Abbey said Miss Widdecombe would be “fondly remembered” as “many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character”.
“Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics,” they added.
Clergymen are seen outside the mass(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
“She was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, which formed through her Roman Catholic faith.
“She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant.” Away from politics, she found fame on the 2010 Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Her family thanked the public for ‘the wide expression of condolences’.
The Rev Roger Widdecombe, Miss Widdecombe’s nephew, and Sir Christian Sweeting, a close friend, led the tributes. Donations will be shared by the Leprosy Mission and Abound, and the Christian Endeavour Hostel (CEH) in India.
Ms Widdecombe regularly worshipped at Buckfast Abbey(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
Miss Widdecombe began her political career soon after studying philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University, where she met writer Gyles Brandreth.
He remained a friend and wrote: “I used to say she was a curious mixture of Danny de Vito and Margaret Rutherford, she was fun and kind even when you disagreed with her fiercely”.
During the 1974 general election, she was tipped as a future star. But it wasn’t until 1987 that she won the Maidstone seat for the Conservatives, keeping it for more than 20 years.
Preparations are underway for today’s service(Image: Matt Keeble/PA Wire)
She called Margaret Thatcher an “inspiration” and recalled meeting her: “It was scarcely past dawn … but the Prime Minister looked as though she had just walked out of a beauty salon.”
Ms Widdecombe staunchly opposed abortion, assisted dying, and LGBT rights. Her unwavering faith drove hardline views that frequently drew fierce criticism, but she remained steadfast in her views.
She was also one of the few Conservative MPs to oppose fox hunting and supported sanctuaries for donkeys and goats.
Ann Widdecombe’s family said it would be ‘private service’ for ‘family and close friends’
After Tony Blair’s Labour government took power in 1997 she served as Shadow Health Secretary then Shadow Home Secretary when William Hague was leader. She ruined Michael Howard’s leadership prospects by declaring he had “something of the night” about him.
A long-time Eurosceptic, Ms Widdecombe had supported the Vote Leave campaign. She quipped: “I am a Conservative. I am never going to be anything else … I’d rather form my own party than ever join Ukip.
“We could call it the Widdy Mob.”
Police have been searching the grounds of Buckfast Abbey, Devon, ahead of the service(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
A memorial service will be held later this year. At the time of her death she was a spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform UK. Leader Nigel Farage said it was a day to remember her as ‘an extraordinary woman who left a serious mark on British politics’.
Donations made in Ms Widdecombe’s memory will be divided between the Leprosy Mission charity and Abound India.
A statement from the abbey said the politican would be “missed and fondly remembered” and “many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant.”
