Gentiluomo of the Archbishop of Westminster
Encyclopedia
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
) by way of Italian, gentile uomo. When the Archbishop was created a Cardinal, his bodyguard 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
(an uncle to Jennifer Paterson
), in 2001. No new Gentiluomo has been appointed by either of Cardinal Hume's successors as archbishop.
Archbishop of Westminster
The Archbishop of Westminster heads the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster, in England. The incumbent is the Metropolitan of the Province of Westminster and, as a matter of custom, is elected President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, and therefore de facto spokesman...
, in the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, was a bodyguard (compare the royal Gentleman at arms) and personal attendant to the Archbishop.
The title originates from the Latin gentilis homo (gentleman
Gentleman
The term gentleman , in its original and strict signification, denoted a well-educated man of good family and distinction, analogous to the Latin generosus...
) by way of Italian, gentile uomo. When the Archbishop was created a Cardinal, his bodyguard 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
Desuetude
In law, desuetude is a doctrine that causes statutes, similar legislation or legal principles to lapse and become unenforceable by a long habit of non-enforcement or lapse of time. It is what happens to laws that are not repealed when they become obsolete...
, following the death of the last Gentiluomo, Anthony Bartlett OBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(an uncle to Jennifer Paterson
Jennifer Paterson
Jennifer Mary Paterson was a British celebrity chef, actress and television personality who appeared on the television programme Two Fat Ladies with Clarissa Dickson Wright....
), in 2001. No new Gentiluomo has been appointed by either of Cardinal Hume's successors as archbishop.