Buckfast Abbey confirmed yesterday it is coordinating directly with the family of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe to finalise her funeral arrangements.
The ex-politician was killed earlier this month in what Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard were violent circumstances.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr Abbot said the abbey was liaising “closely with the family regarding funeral arrangements” and that further details would be shared “in due course, when appropriate”.
Ms Widdecombe’s death has drawn widespread national attention, both because of her high-profile political career and the disturbing nature of the attack that claimed her life.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told last week that Ms Widdecombe sustained 21 blows to the head from a hammer.
The provisional cause of death was recorded as “blunt force injury to the head”.
Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, was taken into custody on July 11 on suspicion of murder.
He was also subsequently arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, although no charge has been brought in relation to that offence.
A provisional date for the murder trial has been fixed for June 8, 2027.
The monastic community at Buckfast described Ms Widdecombe as someone well known to their congregation, having regularly attended services at the Abbey Church, among them Sunday Solemn Mass and the Holy Week and Easter liturgies.
Fr Abbot and the community said they were “deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe in such tragic and disturbing circumstances”.
They remembered her as “a kind and warm character” who would be “missed and fondly remembered” by fellow worshippers.
The abbey’s tribute praised her as “a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics.”
It noted she was “unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith”.
Ms Widdecombe possessed “a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant,” the statement added.
The abbey also confirmed that Fr Abbot and the monastic community were “grateful for the many messages of sympathy and support that have been received,” and that they “continue to hold Ann Widdecombe, her family and loved ones in our prayers during this difficult time”.
Buckfast Abbey sits on the fringe of Dartmoor National Park and is home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine monks living according to the ancient Rule of St Benedict.
The site carries deep historical weight, with the original abbey having been founded in 1018 AD during the reign of King Cnut.
The full press release read: “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.”
