On Tuesday 29th November 2022 at 12 Noon, a Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of The Rt Hon Baroness Howe of Idlicote CBE will be held in St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey.

Elspeth was a British life peer and crossbench member of the House of Lords (2001–2020) who served in many capacities in public life. She was committed to public service, in particular to improving educational opportunities for girls and women, and to securing equality at work for women. She served as Deputy Chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission from 1975-1979 and was tenacious in pursuit of women’s rights and fairness for women. She was also instrumental in initiating reform of the UK tax system which resulted in equal treatment for married women.

In 1997, she was appointed Chair of the Broadcasting Standards Commission, having previously chaired the Broadcasting Standards Council for four years before that. She was a Justice of the Peace in Inner London from 1964 until her retirement from the Bench in 2002 and also served on the Parole Board. In 1994 she was appointed by Archbishop Carey to chair the Commission on Cathedrals in order to identify measures to modernise their management.

She campaigned on a broad range of issues from tackling homelessness to improvement of the environment. In later life, she campaigned tirelessly and helped initiate legislation aiming to make the Internet safer for children.

She was devoted to her family and husband Geoffrey, former Chancellor, Foreign Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, with whom she shared a happy and fulfilled life in the company of their many friends from all walks of life, whom they loved to entertain at their home in Idlicote, Warwickshire.

Elspeth never relented from her commitments. Even in her 80s, she was one of the most active members of the Lords. She retired from Parliament on 2 June 2020, aged 88.

Admission to the Service is possible by clicking on 'Reserve a spot' above. Choose from a category available, book tickets you require and file out.

A link to your ticket(s) will be sent to the email address you give. Print out and bring the ticket(s) with you or bring with you an image on the phone. The Abbey does not share data you leave with third parties.

There may be a bag search before entering. The nearest toilet facilities are located in Abbey Cloisters or at Westminster Central Hall.

Members of the congregation are requested to be seated by 11.45 am.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Nearest underground stations : St James's Park and Westminster.

Do I need to bring my printed ticket(s) to the event? yes either please bring the printed ticket or have an image to show security on entry, on the phone. Please also bring a form of photo ID with you in case you are asked to produce it with your ticket on entry to the church.

What time do the doors open? 11.20 am.

How long will the Service last? Approximately one hour.

Is there dress code advice ? As this is a celebration of Elspeth's life, there is not a requirement to wear dark colours.

What if I have special needs? The church has sloped access to the right side of the church for those in wheelchairs or with walking aids. Contact Matthew Arnoldi by email at special.events@westminster-abbey.org if you have particular concerns or need assistance around arrival and parking.

A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Baroness Howe of Idlicote CBE