Around one hundred mourners gather at Buckfast Abbey for Ann Widdecombe's funeral

Roughly one hundred relatives, friends and former colleagues assembled at Buckfast Abbey in Devon for a Catholic requiem mass honoring the late Ann Widdecombe, who died on 8 July at age 78 with serious head injuries. The mass, lasting about an hour and a half, included a homily from Abbot David Charlesworth, who praised her faith and public service. Speakers included her nephew Rev Roger Widdecombe and Sir Christian Sweeting, a close confidant.

Police officers and sniffer dogs patrolled the abbey grounds before the ceremony. The Abbey issued a statement noting Widdecombe's kindness and steadfast Catholic convictions. A public memorial will be organized later this year, with donations earmarked for the Leprosy Mission and Abound's projects in India.