Syon Abbey was the only Bridgettine monastery in England and initially advocated religious reform on its establishment by Henry V in 1415. The Bridgettines followed the teachings of St Bridget of Sweden and were dedicated to devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. The Order was open to both men and women but observed strict rules, while the monks could travel and preach, nuns lived a life of seclusion. Each monastery was also headed by an abbess.

During its time in England the Order published a range of devotional books and pamphlets. Written in English rather than Latin, texts such as these were aimed at educated lay people, particularly women, in order to provide spiritual guidance in their faith. When Henry VIII broke from Rome, the Order became staunch defenders of the Roman Catholic Church. The Abbey was dissolved in 1534, and Syon House, the London residence of the Dukes of Northumberland, now stands on the site.

William Bonde was a monk of the Order, serving at Syon Abbey until his death in 1530, shortly before the Bridgettines began to oppose the Reformation in England. He published two devotional books, the first The Directory of Conscience was aimed at lay people and focused on remedying anxiety in worship. His second book, The Pylgrimage of Perfeccion (first printed 1526) was aimed towards those in the Church with pastoral care over others and detailed key aspects of Catholic belief. It aimed to guide the reader in both an active and contemplative life within the Church. As one of the last books written about the Church in England before the turbulent years of the Reformation, the book provides a great insight into religious life immediately prior to the break with Rome.

Binding information

Calf, blind finishing with 5 raised bands in a gothic style with gilded edges and a single headband.