I have been to Hardwick Hall several times and find it endlessly fascinating. Below, an aerial view. Note in the lower right, the remnants of Hardwick Old Hall, which was replaced and left as a quarry for the new house; it is now protected and can be explored. This is the first of several posts to be devoted to Hardwick, its creator Bess of Hardwick, and its treasures.
Since the NT has far better photographers than I am, below is their official website picture which shows the incredible glass-adorned exterior.
One cannot write or even think about Hardwick Hall without considering the unique story of the remarkable woman who inspired its creation. Bess of Hardwick (c.1527-1608), didn’t begin Hardwick Hall until she was a fourth-time widow and had reached age 70 in 1591. But she lived until 1608 so enjoyed many years living in her spectacular new house.
Miss Elizabeth Hardwick, born in approximately 1527, was the daughter of a minor gentry family in Scarsdale, Derbyshire. Details of her early life, including her first marriage and widowhood, are scant. Her second husband was Sir William Cavendish, (c. 1505 – 1557). She became his third wife in 1547 when she was about twenty. Cavendish had a considerable fortune and served as the Treasurer of the King's Chamber in the court of the young King Edward VI. Cavendish died in 1557, during a period of unrest following the death of Edward VI. Below, Sir William about 1547.
Only three daughters of William's first wife survived infancy and none of his second wife's children lived beyond a few months. Bess and Willliam had six surviving children. The education and marriage settlements for these children occupied much of Bess's life. She and William bought the Chatsworth estate and began building the present much-remodeled house in 1553. Below, a view of a view of that house in a tapestry on view at Chatsworth House.
Below, a painting of the old Chatsworth's west front in the 17th century.
Bess and William's three sons and three daughters in turn became part of several of the great English aristocratic families. The Cavendishes became the Dukes of Devonshire, as well as being related to the Dukes of Rutland, Newcastle, Portland, Welbeck, and Bolsover.
Above, George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury, Bess's fourth husband.
After Sir William’s death (1557), Bess was a rich woman, close to many courtiers. Her third marriage was to Sir William St. Loe, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, who had several children from a former marriage. But he died only five years later, in 1565.
Bess married George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury (1528-1590), in 1567. At age 40, he was one of the richest men in the realm, owner of vast lands, coalmines, glassworks, owner of ships and many other business interests. Actually, the marriage was a triple ceremony. As the Earl married Bess, his second son married her daughter Mary, and his daughter married Bess’s eldest son Henry. Try sorting out that one a couple of generations later.
After Sir William’s death (1557), Bess was a rich woman, close to many courtiers. Her third marriage was to Sir William St. Loe, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, who had several children from a former marriage. But he died only five years later, in 1565.
Bess married George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury (1528-1590), in 1567. At age 40, he was one of the richest men in the realm, owner of vast lands, coalmines, glassworks, owner of ships and many other business interests. Actually, the marriage was a triple ceremony. As the Earl married Bess, his second son married her daughter Mary, and his daughter married Bess’s eldest son Henry. Try sorting out that one a couple of generations later.
Above, Mary Queen of Scots (1642-1687). Shrewsbury had been assigned by Queen Elizabeth I to hold Mary under a sort of house arrest. He and Bess carried out this task for more thn fifteen years before Mary was removed from their care. The hosted Mary and her contingent of servants and attendents at various of his houses, including Chatsworth. Bess and Mary spent time together, both engaging in their considerable skills at needlework.
Above, Bess of Hardwick, near the time she married Shrewsbury. She was a very rich widow, much sought after by gentlemen of the court. Shrewsbury won her and added his seven children to hers. Eventually, perhaps from the pressures of the imprisonment of Mary and other political complications, Bess and George separated. He died in 1590, and Bess set about building her mansion at Hardwick Hall, below in my photo from 2017.
Next time, more about Hardwick Hall.
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