Hardwick Old Hall
Hardwick Old Hall
The family home of Bess of Hardwick, one of the richest and most remarkable women of Elizabethan England, stands beside Hardwick New Hall which she had built later in the 1590s.
Though the Old Hall is now roofless, visitors can still ascend four floors to view surviving decorative plasterwork, as well as the kitchen and service rooms with our audio tour.
An exhibition in the West Lodge describes Bess’ adventures in architecture, and how she transformed her birthplace from a medieval manor house into a luxurious Elizabethan mansion. Combined with a trip to the New Hall, it is a memorable day out in Derbyshire.
- Stunning decorative plasterwork
- Exhibition describing Bess's adventures in architecture
Arbella Stuart
In 2015 Hardwick will be commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of Lady Arbella Stuart, the granddaughter of Bess of Hardwick and niece to Mary, Queen of Scots. She had a strong royal lineage and a realistic claim to the throne after Queen Elizabeth I died. Educated and raised as a princess, but whose desperate attempts to seek freedom ended with her being imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Discover more about Arbella in the Hall and explore whether you think Hardwick was built as a palace fit for a Queen or a prison for a forgotten princess.
Hardwick offers visitors a year round experience, from colourful herbaceous borders and prize winning vegetables that are used in the restaurant to the picturesque circular parkland walks and plenty of family friendly activities.
Schools
Inspire your Students at Hardwick Hall
