Hardwick Hall is best known for it's owner Elizabeth Shrewsbury (1527-1608) or 'Bess of Hardwick' as she is usually known. She became the second most powerful and wealthiest women in England second only to Queen Elizabeth the 1st. Through her 4 marriages she gathered great wealth, land and stately homes. She built Hardwick hall next to the old one, the new hall has been described as "more glass than wall".
The hall is now owned by the National Trust, for more information on opening times and how to get there click here.
To see pictures of Hardwick Old Hall click here
24/06/06

To see a map of the area click here

Hardwick Hall, the hall was built around 1591 and completed in 1597, it is almost unchanged since Bess lived there herself.
 Her initials ES can be seen at the top of each tower.

Yew avenues and statues

Beyond the gates are the stables

Always lots of colour in the gardens

The south Gazebo

Grass path through the blossom

Reflection in the pond

At the back of the Hall is Bess of Hardwick's statue

Looking out over the pond to the "Wineglass" field

The design of the back of the hall is the same as the front

The tall towers illustrate how much glass was used, hence the saying that Hardwick Hall was "more glass than wall".

Hardwick Hall

© Copyright John Beres 2003-2008