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Ford's Hospital Almshouse, Coventry

Step back into Tudor England at Ford's Hospital, a beautifully preserved 16th-century almshouse in Coventry with rich history and timeless charm.

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Ford's Hospital, also known as Greyfriars Hospital, is a Grade I listed 16th-century half-timbered almshouse located on Greyfriars Lane in Coventry. Founded in 1509 by wealthy merchant William Ford, it originally provided sheltered accommodation for elderly residents. The building features a narrow courtyard and distinctive timber-framed gables, exemplifying English domestic architecture of the Tudor period. Despite suffering bomb damage during World War II, it was carefully restored and remains a remarkable historic landmark.

A brief summary to Fords Hospital Alms House

  • Greyfriars Ln, Coventry, CV1 2GY, GB
  • +442476223838
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Heritage Open Days in September to access the interior and courtyard.
  • Admire the detailed timber framing and carved 16th-century woodwork visible from Greyfriars Lane.
  • Look through the iron gate to glimpse the peaceful inner courtyard and garden area.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Coventry’s historic Greyfriars area to explore medieval and Tudor heritage.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the National Express Coventry bus routes 5, 6, or 8 from Coventry city center to Greyfriars Lane, with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, and a single adult fare costs around £2.50.

  • Train and Walk

    From Coventry Railway Station, it is a 20-minute walk (about 1.5 km) along well-paved urban streets to Greyfriars Lane. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers.

  • Taxi

    Local taxis from Coventry city center to Ford's Hospital take around 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically between £6 and £10. Taxi services are available 24/7.

Fords Hospital Alms House location weather suitability

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Discover more about Fords Hospital Alms House

A Tudor Legacy of Compassion

Ford's Hospital, established in 1509 by William Ford, a prosperous wool merchant and former mayor of Coventry, stands as a remarkable example of Tudor-era philanthropy. Originally intended as an almshouse to provide shelter for six elderly residents—five men and one woman—it reflects the early 16th-century tradition of charitable housing for the aged and infirm. The hospital was later expanded to accommodate couples and, by the mid-19th century, housed up to 40 women, each receiving a weekly allowance from Ford’s endowment. This enduring legacy of care highlights the social responsibilities embraced by wealthy citizens in Tudor England.

Architectural Charm and Historic Setting

The building is renowned for its exquisite half-timbered construction, characterized by projecting upper floors and three timber-framed gables that extend prominently over the ground floor. The hospital encloses a narrow courtyard measuring approximately 11.9 by 3.7 meters, creating an intimate and sheltered environment. Constructed with high-quality materials including teak, the structure exemplifies English domestic architecture of the early 1500s. Its location on Greyfriars Lane places it on the site of a former Franciscan friary chapel, lending an additional layer of historical significance to the setting.

Survival Through Conflict and Restoration

During the Coventry Blitz in World War II, Ford's Hospital suffered significant damage when a bomb struck the building on October 14, 1940, tragically killing the warden, a nurse, and six residents. Unlike other timber-framed buildings in the city that were relocated, Ford's Hospital was meticulously restored on its original site between 1951 and 1953 using original timbers and bricks. This restoration preserved its architectural integrity and ensured its survival as a tangible link to Coventry’s past.

Continued Residential Use and Cultural Recognition

Today, Ford's Hospital functions as seven self-contained apartments for elderly residents, maintaining its original charitable purpose in a modern context. The building’s historical and architectural importance has also attracted cultural interest; it was featured as a filming location for the 2006 BBC television series Doctor Who episode "The Shakespeare Code," where it helped scholars understand Elizabethan architecture. Public access to the interior is limited, with occasional openings during annual Heritage Open Days, but the exterior and courtyard can be appreciated from Greyfriars Lane.

Context Within Coventry’s Historical Landscape

Ford's Hospital sits within a historically rich area once dominated by the Greyfriars Franciscan priory, a medieval monastery dissolved during the Reformation. Though the original friary buildings were lost, the hospital remains as a rare and evocative survivor of Coventry’s Tudor and medieval heritage. Its proximity to other historic sites and remnants of the friary grounds situates it as a key landmark in understanding the city’s religious, social, and architectural evolution.

Architectural and Social Significance Today

The hospital’s Grade I listing underscores its national importance as a well-preserved example of early 16th-century timber-framed domestic architecture and social welfare history. Its design, materials, and enduring function as almshouse accommodation provide insight into the charitable practices and architectural styles of the Tudor period. Ford's Hospital continues to embody the blend of historical preservation and living heritage, offering a unique window into Coventry’s past and the enduring values of community care.

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