Ford's Hospital, 16th century almshouse in Coventry, England
Ford's Hospital is a timber-framed almshouse from the 16th century in Coventry, arranged around a narrow inner courtyard with four wings. The structure has projecting first floors and displays traditional carved wooden details typical of the Tudor period.
William Ford, a wool merchant, founded the building in 1509 to house five men and one woman, with expansions following in 1517 and 1529. The structure survived bombing in 1940 but underwent restoration using original timbers recovered from the damage.
The building still serves as a residence for elderly people today, keeping alive a medieval tradition of charitable care that shaped English communities. Visitors can see how this kind of shared housing reflected values of mutual support and social responsibility.
The building is located on Greyfriars Lane and opens for public viewing during Heritage Open Days in September. Visitors should check ahead as opening times are limited and the site remains an active residence.
The inner courtyard shows unusual architecture with asymmetrical wings built during different phases of construction. This uneven arrangement reveals how the structure adapted organically to meet the changing needs of its residents.
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