Ann Widdecombe’s Funeral to Be Held at Buckfast Abbey Following Tragic Death

Following the tragic death of former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, her family has announced that her funeral arrangements are underway, with the main service to be held at the historic Buckfast Abbey in Devon.

Widdecombe passed away at her Devon home at the age of 78, with a public memorial service expected to follow later in the year.

Key Details of the Arrangements

• The Location: The private funeral service for family and close friends will take place at Buckfast Abbey in Buckfastleigh, Devon—an active monastery with roots dating back to 1018.

• Family Statement: Acknowledging the widespread public interest, the family released a statement noting, “A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed.”

• Public Tribute: While the initial service is strictly invitation-only, the family confirmed that a wider public memorial will be held later in the year, with details to be announced closer to the date.

• Abbey Response: The Abbot of the Monastic Community of Buckfast stated that they are working closely with the family on the arrangements and asked that the family’s privacy be respected during this time.

Investigation Underway

Widdecombe was found dead at her home on July 8 by her gardener, having suffered serious head injuries. Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder and is scheduled to stand trial in June.

Throughout her long career in public life, Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP before leaving the party in 2019 to join the Brexit Party, later becoming a prominent spokesperson for Reform UK.