Bess of Hardwick: The Empire Builder

Bess of Hardwick was one of the most remarkable women in Tudor England. She was born into a wealthy family in 1527 and married four times, each time to a man of higher rank than the last. Her fourth and final husband was George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, Lord High Steward of England, and one of the most powerful nobles in the realm.

Bess of Hardwick: Empire Builder

by Mary S. Lovell

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7470 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	577 pages

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Bess was a shrewd businesswoman and a skilled politician. She used her wealth and influence to advance her own interests and the interests of her family. She was a close confidante of Queen Elizabeth I and played a key role in the imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots.

Bess was also a great builder. She commissioned the construction of Hardwick Hall, one of the most impressive stately homes in England. Hardwick Hall is a magnificent example of Elizabethan architecture and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Peak District.

Bess of Hardwick was a complex and fascinating woman. She was a powerful and ambitious woman who lived in a tumultuous time. She was a woman of great intelligence and determination, and she achieved great things.

Early Life

Bess of Hardwick was born Elizabeth Hardwick in 1527 at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. Her father, John Hardwick, was a wealthy landowner and her mother, Elizabeth Leeke, was the daughter of Sir John Leeke of Sutton Scarsdale. bess had two brothers, John and William.

Bess's early life was relatively uneventful. She received a good education and was taught the skills that were considered necessary for a young woman of her social class. She learned how to read, write, and speak French. She also learned how to manage a household and how to entertain guests.

In 1541, when Bess was just 14 years old, her father died. Her mother remarried a few years later, and Bess went to live with her stepfather. Bess's stepfather was a cruel man, and she was often mistreated.

First Marriage

In 1547, Bess married Robert Barlow, a wealthy landowner from Nottinghamshire. Barlow was 20 years older than Bess, and the marriage was not a happy one. Barlow was a cruel and abusive husband, and Bess was often unhappy.

Bess and Barlow had two children, a son, John, and a daughter, Elizabeth. Barlow died in 1557, and Bess was finally free from his tyranny.

Second Marriage

In 1559, Bess married William Cavendish, a wealthy courtier. Cavendish was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth I, and Bess soon became one of the queen's favorite ladies-in-waiting.

Bess and Cavendish had three children, two daughters, Frances and Mary, and a son, William. Cavendish died in 1563, and Bess was once again a widow.

Third Marriage

In 1568, Bess married Sir William St. Loe, a wealthy courtier. St. Loe was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth I, and Bess soon became one of the queen's most trusted advisors.

Bess and St. Loe had no children. St. Loe died in 1584, and Bess was once again a widow.

Fourth Marriage

In 1590, Bess married George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, Lord High Steward of England, and one of the most powerful nobles in the realm. Talbot was a widower with two children, Gilbert and Mary.

Bess and Talbot had no children. Talbot died in 1598, and Bess was once again a widow.

Legacy

Bess of Hardwick was one of the most remarkable women in Tudor England. She was a powerful and ambitious woman who lived in a tumultuous time. She was a woman of great intelligence and determination, and she achieved great things.

Bess's legacy is her stately home, Hardwick Hall. Hardwick Hall is one of the most impressive stately homes in England and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Peak District.

Bess of Hardwick was a complex and fascinating woman. She was a powerful and ambitious woman who lived in a tumultuous time. She was a woman of great intelligence and determination, and she achieved great things.

Bess of Hardwick is an inspiration to us all. She shows us that anything is possible if we have the courage to follow our dreams.

Bess of Hardwick: Empire Builder

by Mary S. Lovell

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7470 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	577 pages

FREE