Press Page
Ann Widdecombe
Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community of Buckfast were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe in such tragic and disturbing circumstances. Ann was a frequent worshipper in the Abbey Church, attending our Sunday Solemn Mass and notably attended our Holy Week and Easter services. Many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character. She will be missed and fondly remembered. Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics. Ann was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant. Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community extend their heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Fr Abbot offered Solemn Mass for the repose of her soul. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.
Press Release – 10th August 2026 Ann Widdecombe
Requiem Mass
The Requiem Mass of Ann Widdecombe will take place on Wednesday 12th August at Buckfast Abbey, Ann’s regular place of worship.
Ann’s family are deeply grateful for the many messages of sympathy and support they have received. The family wish to hold a private Requiem Mass, attended by Ann’s closest family and friends, so that they may gather in remembrance and grief with dignity and peace.
Press Access
The family respectfully request that members of the press do not attend, to preserve their privacy, and to avoid disruption to those attending.
Buckfast Abbey asks the press for understanding and restraint at this time, to respect the family’s wishes. There will be no access to the Abbey Church on the day of the Requiem Mass.
Order of Service
The Order of Service will be published online at 09:00 on the day of the Requiem Mass, and will contain the texts of the Scripture Readings, Prayers, Hymns and musical items to be sung by the Abbey Choir.
It will be available to download here: https://www.buckfast.org.uk/press/
Homily
The Requiem Mass will be offered by The Right Revered David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast. His Homily to be preached at the Requiem Mass will be made available at 14:00 on the day, via the same link.
Interviews
We respectfully ask that press do not approach guests for interview. No interviews will be given by Ann’s family, and no interviews will be given by Buckfast Abbey personnel.
Photography
A small number of official photographs of the service will be released afterwards, and will be available to download, via the same link.
Guest List
The names of guest attendees will not be published.
Condolences and Tributes
There will be no Book of Condolence, and the public are kindly asked not to bring floral tributes.
ENDS
For all press enquiries please contact:
Carol Davies
cdavies@buckfast.org.uk
Press Release – 24th July 2026 Ann Widdecombe
Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community of Buckfast continue to hold Ann Widdecombe, her family and loved ones in our prayers during this difficult time.
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.
Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community are grateful for the many messages of sympathy and support that have been received.
ENDS
For all press enquiries please contact:
Carol Davies
cdavies@buckfast.org.uk
