Our History, UK History and Where We Are in the UK
The first trace of the Order in the UK can in fact be shown to be from a little earlier than 1415. It is known that Henry, Lord FitzHugh, Constable of England and Chamberlain to King Henry V, had visited the monastery of Vadstena in Sweden in 1406. He had travelled to Sweden to accompany the daughter of King Henry IV, Phillipa, who was betrothed to the King of Sweden, Eric XIII of Pomerania.
Whilst in Sweden he was sufficiently impressed by what he had seen at Vadstena to volunteer to help with a similar foundation in England. He promised a gift of a manor at Cherry Hinton, Cambridge. Although the foundation did not occur here, two Bridgettine brothers (for the monastery also had a 'double' section for males) came to England in 1408 to prepare for the eventual Syon foundation a few years later in 1415.
King Charles' visit to The Bridgettine Sisters
Syon Abbey
'The Monastery of St. Saviour and St. Bridget of Syon' was a royal foundation, and the only Bridgettine Abbey to be established in England before the Reformation. It was originally built by King Henry V in 1415 on a site in Twickenham opposite his own royal palace at Shene (Richmond), but rebuilt at Isleworth on the banks of the River Thames on the site of an earlier Celestine monastery, first coming into use as a monastery in 1431. Today a newer house on the site, called Syon House, belongs to the Duke of Northumberland.
Iver Heath
The house at Iver Heath located just outside London in Buckinghamshire was established as a convent in 1931. It was a small but elegant Tudor style property that stood near woodland and by a country lane close to the small historical town of Fulmer.
Holywell — "The Lourdes of Wales"
Holywell is one of the most remarkable places in Wales — a town whose history of pilgrimage stretches back over 1,300 years to the legend of St Winefride herself. The holy well that bears her name is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, long celebrated for its healing waters and continuous tradition of prayer and pilgrimage. It has been called the "Lourdes of Wales" for good reason: people of all backgrounds and faiths have come here across the centuries seeking renewal, healing and peace.
Our guest house stands just a short walk from the well, making it the natural place to stay for anyone visiting Holywell — whether as a pilgrim, a heritage visitor, or simply someone wanting to explore the beauty of North Wales.
Arrival of the Bridgettine Sisters in Holywell
The Sisters of St. Bridget of Sweden (Bridgettine Sisters) arrived in Holywell in 2008. This place was originally called St. Winifried's Hospice — Holywell. The Sisters' main obligation is Liturgical prayer, daily divine office. Each day they take part in Holy Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
St Winefride's Guest House is well known for providing the best hospitality and the Sisters' work of Ecumenism. The Sisters in particular welcome those seeking space for stillness, quiet, rest and deeper reflection on their spiritual life, and conferences. They also welcome visitors who wish to explore the beauty and nature of North Wales.
