Ann Widdecombe's funeral 'to take place at Devon's Buckfast Abbey'
Ceremony for the wider public to be held later in the year, family of murdered Reform spokesperson says
Ann Widdecombe's funeral is set to be held at the ancient Buckfast Abbey in Devon, although a date for a public memorial is yet to be confirmed.
Listen to this article
The former Conservative MP was allegedly killed last month, aged 78. She died in her Devon home on July 8 and was found a day later by her gardener on her kitchen floor with serious head injuries.
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with murder and is set to stand trial next June.
Ms Widdecombe left the Conservative Party in 2019 to join the Brexit Party and was most recently a spokesperson for Reform UK.
Read also: Who was Ann Widdecombe and why is her death being investigated?
Where is Ann Widdecombe's funeral being held?
Ann Widdecombe's family have made arrangements for her funeral to be held at Buckfast Abbey in Buckfastleigh, Devon, according to Independent Catholic News.
"We understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe," the family said in a statement.
"A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed."
Buckfast Abbey has roots back to 1018 and is still an active monastery, with 13 monks on the site as of 2020. The current building was consecrated in 1932.
Father Abbott of the Monastic Community of Buckfast said: "We are working closely with the family regarding funeral arrangements and will provide further information in due course, when appropriate.
"We respectfully ask that the family's privacy is honoured as they make these arrangements."
How can the public pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe?
A public memorial is set to be held for Ann Widdecombe later this year, the family has said.
No date has yet been listed for this, but it is set to be made public nearer the time.
A statement read: "A more public memorial will follow later in the year, the details of which will be released in due course.
"While we are very grateful for the wide expression of condolences, the family would ask that this initial service is limited to those closest to Ann."
No date has therefore been given for the Buckfast Abbey service.