de bene esse: Hardwick Hall

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Tudor Talk

“You often boast to me that you the king’s ear and often have fun with him, freely and according to your whims. This is like having fun with tamed lions – often it is harmless, but just as often there is fear of harm. Often he roars in rage for no known reason, and suddenly the fun becomes fatal.”
by Thomas More

Hardwick Hall's vast height, huge windows and grand appearance have always intrigued.

Bess of Hardwick was a great Tudor personality and friend of Anne’s daughter, Elizabeth I, for over 40 years. She built the Hall in the 1590’s and was also a close friend of the Grey sisters, Mary, Katherine, and of course Jane.

After Jane’s execution, Bess kept a portrait of her on a table beside her bed for the remainder of her life. She lived to the grand old age of 80, unheard of for the time.

Bess and her 4th husband the Earl of Shrewsbury had the uncomfortable task of guarding Mary Queen of Scots for many years during her imprisonment.

Bess was obsessed with building, and Hardwick is her greatest temple and Chatsworth is a close second. If Chatsworth was a comfortable home, then Hardwick was the party house! With six great towers and a High Great Chamber reputed to be the most beautiful in Europe. A fabulous entertaining venue fit for a Queen.

Hardwick Hall's Long Gallery in the 1890's

The house is impressive throughout with grand rooms more breathtaking as one ascends the huge stone staircase to the top of the house and the Long Gallery - a staggering 51 metres long and 8 metres high!

Hardwick has been largely unaltered and transports visitors back in time to the Tudor age. The house was built with royalty in mind, in the hope that Bess could entertain and impress her friend Elizabeth the Queen. Also that the house be fitting for her Granddaughter, Arbella Stuart, who Bess hoped in time would claim her right to the English throne. Sadly for Bess ,neither dream was realised, but ther building projects, still inspire 400 years later.

The property fit for a Tudor pilgrimage.