Gentiluomo of the Archbishop of Westminster

Gentiluomo of the Archbishop of Westminster

The Gentiluomo of the Archbishop of Westminster, in the Roman Catholic Church of the United Kingdom, was a bodyguard (compare the royal Gentleman at arms) and personal attendant to the Archbishop.

The title originates from the Latin "gentilis homo" (gentleman). When the Archbishop was created a Cardinal, he could accordingly be called Gentiluomo of the "Cardinal" Archbishop of Westminster.

The Gentiluomo's job was to guard his master, as the Archbishop was not permitted to carry a weapon (in accordance with his role as a cleric).

The position of Gentiluomo was effectively hereditary.

The appointment is now, however, in desuetude, following the death of the last Gentiluomo, Anthony Bartlett OBE (and uncle to Jennifer Paterson), in 2001. No new Gentiluomo has been employed by the incumbent archbishop, Cormac Murphy-O'Connor.

References

"Keepers of the Kingdom", UK, 2001


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