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 and personal attendant to the Archbishop.
The title originates from the Latin gentilis homo 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.
The position of Gentiluomo was effectively hereditary.
The appointment is now, however, in desuetude, following the death of the last Gentiluomo, Anthony Bartlett OBE in 2001. No new Gentiluomo has been appointed by either of Cardinal Hume's successors as archbishop.
