I just love the story of Bess of Hardwick! She was such an indominable woman who spent her life building outstanding homes. I particularly like the way her initials are carved in solid stone on the top most part of Hardwick Hall for all to see - 'Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury'. Don't you just love her!!
Decades ago I read David Durant's excellent book about her and really enjoyed. I still remember that they spent a fortune on pins so that following her death in 1607, they could drape the Hall with miles of black crepe!
This was the first time I had come across the really tragic story of Bess' grand daughter Arbella. Orphaned by the time she was five, Bess became her devoted guardian giving her an extensive education. However, as Arbella grew it became increasingly obvious that they had different dreams. The young girl wanted to develop her considerable intellectural abilities, probably marry and have children.
Bess wanted her to be Queen of England.
I have turned this tragic story into an e-book, called 'The Hardwick Love Story' which is available by clicking here
