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, 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 (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 Hospital, Coventry (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
Contact details
Ford's Hospital
Greyfriars Lane
Coventry
CV1 2GY
02476 223838