Bess of Hardwick is one of the most fascinating women of the sixteenth century and her most famous building, Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, survives as a fine example of Elizabethan creativity, magnificence and pride. By a series of well-made marriages, she rose to the highest levels of English nobility and became enormously wealthy. Bess was reportedly a shrewd businesswoman, increasing her assets with business interests including mines and glass-making workshops.

This talk outlines Bess’s remarkable life and then will briefly touch on the architecture and contents of Hardwick Hall, surely her lasting monument.

Dr Gill White formerly worked for the National Trust as a curator/collections manager at Hardwick Hall. She now works as a freelance lecturer and teaches at Oxford and Leicester.

Doors open at 7.15 p.m. and the talk starts at 7.30 p.m. Free to members, visitors £3. Refreshments follow the talk.