The family of the late Ann Widdecombe are preparing to say their final goodbye at one of the places that meant the most to her life of faith.
Church leaders at Buckfast Abbey in Devon have confirmed they are working closely with Widdecombe’s relatives to arrange her private funeral service following her tragic death earlier this month.
The former Conservative cabinet minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, who was 78, was a devoted worshipper at the historic abbey and had attended a service there just days before police believe she was fatally attacked.
A Farewell at the Church She Loved
In a statement, Buckfast Abbey confirmed that preparations are underway for Widdecombe’s funeral while asking the public to respect her family’s privacy during this difficult period.
A spokesperson said the abbey is “working closely with the family regarding funeral arrangements” and will share further details only when appropriate.
The Benedictine community also paid tribute to the veteran politician, saying they continue to hold Ann, her loved ones and family in their prayers and thanked everyone who has sent messages of sympathy and support.
The abbey later confirmed that the statement refers to the private funeral service previously announced by her family.
Family Confirms Private Funeral and Public Memorial
Earlier this week, Widdecombe’s relatives revealed that her funeral will be a private ceremony attended only by those closest to her.
They also announced plans for a public memorial service later this year, allowing the wider public and those who admired her long political and broadcasting career an opportunity to pay their respects.
Further details of the memorial are expected to be released in the coming months.
A Community Still in Shock
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her isolated home near Haytor, Devon, on 9 July, after concerns were raised when she failed to appear for a scheduled television interview.
Police believe she died approximately 24 hours earlier.
The alarm was reportedly raised after producers were unable to contact her, prompting a gardener to visit her property, where she was discovered with serious head injuries.
The shocking death has left both the local community and many across Britain deeply saddened.
Murder Charge and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains ongoing after Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, was charged with Widdecombe’s murder.
During an earlier court hearing, prosecutors alleged that the former MP was attacked while eating lunch inside her home before her wallet was taken.
The defendant has denied nothing publicly at this stage, and the allegations will be tested in court. A provisional trial date has been scheduled for June 2027.
Cause of Death Yet to Be Confirmed
Although investigators have outlined the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, the official medical cause of Ann Widdecombe’s death has not yet been formally established.
At an inquest in Exeter, Coroner Philip Spinney confirmed that Widdecombe was found unresponsive inside her home with visible injuries, adding that further medical examinations are still underway before a final cause of death can be recorded.
As her family prepares to lay her to rest at the abbey where she worshipped for many years, attention now turns both to celebrating her life and to the legal proceedings that will continue over the coming months.
