Once upon a time, Roseford Court stood as a testament to modern living. Today we explore Roseford Court. This large tower block was built in the 1970s. It was part of a public housing project in Shepherd’s Bush London. Roseford Court sits on the south side of Shepherd’s Bush Green. It falls just outside the Shepherd’s Bush Conservation Area.
Roseford Court’s history is tied to its design. Like its sister towers, Woodford Court, Bush Court, and Shepherd’s Court, Roseford Court showcases an unapologetically modern style. The then Labour-controlled Council designed and built these towers with steel and concrete. Roseford Court was completed in 1974. It stands 184 feet high and contains 113 housing units across 20 floors.
Originally conceived as public housing, Roseford Court has evolved. Many of its flats are now privately owned. They are regularly offered for sale to the public. This shift reflects changing times.
Roseford Court has seen its share of notable residents. One such resident was Fatimah Dodson. She dishonestly claimed more than £6000 in housing benefit and Council Tax benefit. She pleaded guilty to fraud at West London Magistrates Court on 18 December 2008.
Before Roseford Court was built, Roseford Gardens stood here. Roseford Gardens was a quaint set of Victorian terraces. Today Roseford Court stands tall.
Nearby once stood 7 Roseford Gardens. In 1936, Elizabeth Fortescue lived in the basement flat. She was murdered. The Murder Mile UK True-Crime Podcast tells her story.
Elizabeth Fortescue was born in 1869. She was a Londoner. She lived a simple life. In 1894, she married Alfred Cecil Fortschunk. Anti-German sentiment was rife during World War One. The family changed their name to Fortescue. Alfred died in 1920. Elizabeth had to work to survive. She became a food demonstrator.
In 1928, Elizabeth moved into 7 Roseford Gardens. She split the rent with her sister. Later, she took in lodgers. One lodger, Alfred Stratford, murdered Elizabeth. He was aided by Mary-Ann Flynn. They stole rent money. Elizabeth was found bound and gagged.
Alfred and Mary-Ann were caught. They were tried at the Old Bailey. Alfred was sentenced to death, later reduced to life. Mary-Ann was sentenced to eight years in prison. She died in prison giving birth to Alfred’s child.
Now think about the many lives that have passed within these walls. Roseford Court remains a vibrant part of Shepherd’s Bush. From public housing to private residences, it has adapted to the changing needs of Londoners. Roseford Court stands as a prominent feature of Shepherd’s Bush Green. It serves as a reminder of the area’s past and present.