Hardwick Hall and its contents in Derbyshire offers a unique insight into the life of its formidable creator, Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, better known as Bess of Hardwick. From a minor gentry background at Hardwick through four marriages, each one raising her status, and through shrewd estate management, she was the central figure in establishing the Cavendish children from her second marriage as the Devonshire ducal family and their place in the political and social history of succeeding centuries.
I have visited Hardwick on several occasions and never failed to be impressed by what the building is, and the collection of portraits and furniture from the Countess’s time. Amongst these are embroidered pieces created both by the Countess and also by Mary Queen of Scots whilst she was lodged with the Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife, together with her royal household-in-exile, in the 1570s and early 1580s.
A new exhibition about Bess of Hardwick promises another remarkable survival in the form of a violet dress listed in a 1601 inventory as one of her possessions. The gown is illustrated and placed in its context in a BBC News report which can be seen at Rare gown dating back to 1600s to go on display at Hardwick Hall
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