However, the dissolution of the English monasteries during the Reformation forced the community into exile on the European continent until, after more than 200 years, they would return to England in the late 19th century. The Syon community has always been known and respected for its zeal, its loyalty to the Church, and its observance of the rule and contemplative ideals of St. Bridget. It is believed that, as was the executioners' custom of the time, parts of St. Richard's body were put on the gateway of the Abbey , a gruesome reminder to others who were willing to die for their faith. The community venerated it as a relic, and managed, even with its tremendous weight, to take it with them on their journeys of exile through the continent and eventually, bring it home to England. In the early 1990's, the Nuns sold their large Abbey building and some of their land, and, keeping their cemetery and some additional acreage, moved to a newly renovated existing smaller building, making it suitable as a convent for Nuns who are, primarily, enclosed contemplatives.
Bridgettine life continues.
Today, the Nuns continue to live their vocation as given in their Rule and in The Syon Additions . They still pray, in choir, the Bridgettine Office of Our Lady , revised, however, according to the spirit of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Associates, either lay or clerical, somewhat like Oblates, affiliate themselves to the Abbey as Brothers and Sisters of the Chapter . These Brothers and Sisters of the Chapter are united in prayer with the Nuns . They are formally received as such by the Abbess on behalf of the Community.