Figures from politics and the media attended the funeral service of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe.
Family, friends and colleagues assembled at Buckfast Abbey in Devon before 2pm, a Catholic abbey where she regularly worshipped.
Mourners dressed in black arrived for the requiem mass – a Catholic service where prayers are offered for the soul of the dead – to pay respects to the former MP, who later became a Reform UK spokeswoman.
Among those who attended Miss Widdecombe’s funeral were shadow chancellor Mel Stride, former justice minister Crispin Blunt and broadcaster Iain Dale.
Writing in a post on LBC’s website on Wednesday, Mr Dale paid tribute to his friend and said he hopes to meet her in heaven one day.
The order of service for the requiem mass showed tributes were paid by the Rev Roger Widdecombe, Miss Widdecombe’s nephew, and Sir Christian Sweeting, a close friend.
It states that donations made in memory of Miss Widdecombe will be divided between the Leprosy Mission and Abound, supporting the projects of the Christian Endeavour Hostel in India.
Miss Widdecombe, 78, died on 8 July after she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged with her murder.
The private requiem mass included a homily from the Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast.
A statement from the abbey said Miss Widdecombe would be “missed and fondly remembered”, and “many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character”.
It added: “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.”
Earlier on Wednesday morning, police officers were seen patrolling the grounds of Buckfast Abbey and carrying out security checks.
A police detection dog was spotted inspecting a bin and seating area during a security search in the area.
A public memorial for Miss Widdecombe will be held later this year.
Miss Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, was a prisons minister in the 1990s and later became an MEP for the Brexit Party.
At the time of her death, she was a spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform UK.
She also found fame outside politics on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Read MorePolice officers patrol church ahead of Ann Widdecombe’s funeral
