About The Bedford, Morison & Cordery Almshouse Charity

The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses is a landmark throughout the centuries as an independent Almshouse Charity and provides comfortable, affordable and Independent Senior Living. It was founded in 1580 to accommodate eight poor women from the parishes of Watford, Chenies and Langley into independent living.

Today, the Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses Charity provide accommodation for 18 single men and women in Watford and are supported by our Site Manager and governed by a Board of Trustees. The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses Charity is registered with the Charity Commission, reference 207042.

The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses accommodation is situated on St Mary’s Close in Watford, Hertfordshire. The almshouses site is in walking distance from the Atria Shopping Centre, Watford High Street shops, supermarkets, banks, post office, parks, Hospital, bus stops, train stations, cinema, restaurants, cafes, pubs, Leisure Centre, local Theatre and Library. You have everything you need on your doorstep.

The almshouses consist of 18 flats and cottages, spread over two beautiful and historical buildings. The almshouses provide affordable housing for men and women aged 60 or over and the opportunity to live independent lives. There is accommodation for 18 single residents of men or women. The almshouses are split up of flats and cottages between the ‘old’ Bedford Almshouses Grade II Listed building of cottages (which are the oldest and arguably the finest buildings of its kind in Watford) and the ‘new’ Morison and Cordery Almshouses, a red brick block of studio flats built in the 1960’s. The flats and cottages are nestled in beautiful grounds and communal gardens.

The aim of the Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses Charity is to provide affordable housing and community for single men and women aged 60 or over from the Watford area, who can live independently, but are of limited means. Our community is a close-knit one with social events organised during the year where residents can come together and socialise. Participation is of course voluntary; however, residents do like the sense of community the almshouses create. The Site Manager oversees the daily running of the almshouses and arranges for qualified tradespeople to conduct maintenance and repairs to a high standard. The Charity’s Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the operation of our almshouses and activities to support low-income older people living in Watford and surrounding WD area. The Board of Trustees meet regularly to ensure that the cottages and flats are maintained to a high standard and offer a safe environment for both residents and visitors. To apply for Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouse, a residents must be 60 or over and must have lived in Watford or surrounding areas in the WD postcode for most of their life. They must be capable of living independently without the need for constant support.

To view the full criteria to qualify as a resident, please click here.