It is with great sadness that we heard of the death of Bro. Francis of Weston Manor. Requiescat in pace.

He was the last surviving Dominican Brother that were once resident in Weston Manor, Totland; the original family home of the Ward family, who founded the Mass Centre in West Wight (1871). In the 1960s a small group of Dominican Brothers, led by Bro. Dominic, moved into Weston Manor and they were soon joined by Bro. Francis. He became known across the Island among the Catholic community, especially at St. Saviour’s in Totland. He was a founder member of the IoW Catholic History Society, having joined on the day of its inauguration in 2001. In the society’s early days Bro Francis would often welcome visitors to Weston Manor, pray with them in the beautiful family chapel and give them a guided tour of the Manor house and a talk on its history.

Bro. Francis Funeral Mass was offered at St. Saviour’s Church, Totland Bay on Fri. 20 th December, 2024. Please remember Bro. Francis in your prayers.

A more detailed account of his life will appear in the next issue of the IoW Catholic History Society newsletter in three weeks time.

Bro Francis is seen here outside Weston Manor with a visiting Dominican priest, Fr. Thomas Crean O.P.