Hackney minister kept vigil over Baroness Thatcher’s coffin night before her funeral

A Hackney minister kept vigil over Baroness Thatcher’s coffin the night before her funeral.

Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, vicar of All Saints Church, Livermere Road, Haggerston and Holy Trinity Church in Beechwood Road, Dalston kept vigil over the former prime minister’s body last Tuesday night at the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, Westminster Palace until it was taken to St Paul’s cathedral by hearse.

Around 100 relatives and friends of Baroness Thatcher attended a private ceremony at the chapel last Tuesday before the large and public service the next day, which was attended by over 2,000 people.

Rev Hudson-Wilkin also lead the prayers during the funeral service.

Speaking about the weighty undertaking, Rev Hudson-Wilkin said: “Within the Judea Christian tradition, often devotional watchfulness is kept over the body of one who dies, with prayers at regular intervals on the eve of a burial. As the Parliamentary Chaplain, it is part of my ministry to serve Lady Thatcher in death, in this way.”

Baroness Thatcher died on April 8 and her ashes were buried at Mortlake Crematorium, Richmond on April 16.

Rev Hudson-Wilkin was elected to the role of chaplain to the speaker of the House of Commons in 2010.

In her role, she conducts daily prayers in the house as well as a weekly Eucharist service.