Why is Ann Widecombe's funeral being held at Buckfast Abbey?

It is where the tonic wine of the same name was invented.13:02, 12 Aug 2026Updated 13:12, 12 Aug 2026The funeral of Ann Widdecombe will take place on Wednesday, August 12, at Buckfast Abbey in Devon. The private Requiem Mass at the Catholic abbey will include a homily from the Right Reverend David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast, and a bible reading from her great-nephew Jem Widdecombe.‌The former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson was discovered dead in her home in Dartmoor on July 9 with serious injuries. Last month, 28-year-old man Joshua Kerry was arrested on suspicion of murdering Widdecombe in a "targeted" attack.‌The funeral's order of service is available to be downloaded from the Buckfast Abbey website. The Right Reverend's Homily will become available at 2pm on Wednesday.