Ford's Hospital - A Coventry Tudor Gem!

Ford's Hospital is situated on Greyfriars Lane in Coventry. It was built in the early 16th century. Damaged by an air raid in 1940, it was later restored in 1953. A Grade I listed building


Where is Ford's Hospital?

Ford's Hospital is on Greyfriars Lane, Coventry CV1 2GY.

 

In brief

Ford's Hospital was almshouses established in 1509 for old men and women of Coventry (later women only from 1800). It was badly damaged during the Coventry Blitz in November 1940, but later fully restored by 1953.

Ford's Hospital CoventryFord's Hospital, Coventry (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ford's Hospital - history

Built in 1509, Ford's Hospital was an almshouse for men and women originally. By 1800 it became a home for women only. When the Luftwaffe bombed Coventry during November 1940 (the Coventry Blitz), 8 women sadly died in the attack. The house was re-built and restored from 1951 to 1953, using the original timbers. Ford's Hospital has had many names over the centuries including: The Bede House, Pisford's Hospital and Greyfriars Hospital as well as Ford's Hospital.

It was endowed by the will of William Ford in 1509. An additional endowment of 1517 was by William Pisford. There is the date 1529, possibly referring to the appointment of feofees and possibly to additional building between courtyard and garden.

A timber framed building, with an overhang. The rainwater heads dates to 1784.

It has been a Grade I listed building since 1955.

Ford's Hospital Coventry

Ford's Hospital Coventry

Ford's Hospital Coventry

Ford's Hospital Coventry

Ford's Hospital Coventry

Ford's Hospital Coventry

Ford's Hospital CoventryFord's Hospital, Coventry (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

A more recent view of Fords Hospital in 2023. Modern buildings are going up all over the city but this early 16th century building has survived (and been restored).

Ford's HospitalFord's Hospital, Coventry (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

Ford's Hospital

Greyfriars Lane

Coventry

CV1 2GY

02476 223838

Project dates

15 Jul 2021 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, Classic Architecture

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com