Our History

The Bedford Almshouses were opened on 21st February 1580 by Francis Russell, the Second Earl of Bedford and his wife, Lady Bridget former wife of Sir Richard Morison. They were built in Parsonage Barn Yard; this parcel of land got its name from two barns which stood on what is now the grassed area alongside Church car park. Built of timber and plaster, the Almshouses are individual dwellings and are the oldest dwellings in Watford; they are Grade II listed. They continue to provide housing for the elderly as a charitable trust under The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses which is governed by a Board of Trustees.

Early Years
The Almshouses were first founded to accommodate eight poor women from the parishes of Watford, Chenies and Langley. Occupancy for life was guaranteed unless the tenant was convicted of a "notorious crime". Each of the eight women was also given two pounds and ten shillings a year for food, as well as two cartloads of wood to burn in the fireplace.

A pew in St Mary's Church was also reserved for the eight Almswomen until 1832, by which time it had been unoccupied for six or seven years for reason of infirmity or disinclination. The Churchwardens decided to let the pew to other worshippers at a rent of 12 shillings per year, which was to be divided amongst the almswomen.

Courtyard & Gardens
The Almshouses had extensive gardens at the rear of each house and a communal courtyard in the front. This reached to the boundary of St Mary's Church in Watford and contained a well from which water could be drawn. In 1771, the graveyard of St Mary's Church was becoming overcrowded, no doubt exacerbated by the deaths of 54 residents who died during a plague in 1541, and it was decided to extend it. This necessitated the almshouses losing their courtyard for the construction of a new road, George Street, which remains in the same position today. A new well was established in one of the gardens at the rear of the almshouses.

Almshouse Refurbishment
In 1928 the Almshouse cottages deteriorated, due to lack of funds for repairs, and were targeted for demolition. However, in 1932 due to the generosity of the people of Watford they were fully repaired. In the 1960s the front doors were sealed, and the original sculleries made into kitchenettes. More recently, bathrooms/showers have been installed to further modernise the properties. Due to the age of the Almshouses, there is an ongoing repair and maintenance programme and in recent years the roof has undergone extensive repair, new fire walls have been built in the lofts affording extra protection against the spread of fire and the lofts have been insulated. In addition, each cottage contains both smoke and heat alarms.

As the buildings are Grade II listed all repair work must be sanctioned by the local council conservationist.

New Almshouses
In the 1960s four almshouses in Vicarage Road (The Morison Almshouses) and six almshouses in Sutton Road (The Cordery Almshouses) were demolished and in compensation a red brick block of studio flats was erected opposite the eight cottages. The new block houses ten residents and contains a Site Management Office and visitor's suite.

Present Day
The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses are affiliated to the Almshouse Association. The Charity is also registered with the Charity Commission ref 207042. There is a maximum of 9 trustees, consisting of the vicar of St Mary's church, 3 Borough of Watford nominees, 1 parish council nominee plus 4 co-optative persons living or working near Watford. These last are appointed by the other trustees.

Today, the Almshouses provide accommodation for 18 single men and women who are 60 years old or over and have strong links to Watford and the surrounding area. They must be of limited means, must not own any property, and be able to live independently. A site manager is employed to oversee the day to day running of the almshouses and arrange for maintenance.

Links with the local community are reflected in schemes such as Christmas lunch being sponsored by Sainsbury's, and students from West Herts College helping with bench restoration. A Board of Trustees meet regularly during the year to ensure that the cottages and flats are maintained to a high standard and offer a safe environment for both residents and visitors.