This is the splendiframous Hardwick Hall, built by one of the most powerful characters in Tudor England, Elizabeth Countess of Shrewsbury but known universally as Bess of Hardwick.

She was four times married, had eight children, was one of the richest nobles in England, a personal friend of Queen Elizabeth I and lived to the age of eighty... quite a piece of work!

Well ... it makes our humble attempt at eco-friendly construction look pitiful! However I like the formal lines right down to the triangular trees ... I'm also intrigued so will google Bess to learn more. marilynx · 2012-05-04: 11:21

I am a keen needlewoman ( I used to teach dress-making and design both in the U.K. and Belgium) This intruged me, especially the political undertones. Cat and Mouse marilynx · 2012-05-04: 11:26

Sounds like she had quite a busy and interesting life as well as an impressive home to match her personality! lookagain · 2012-05-04: 19:17

Ah, Bess - what a character... Allow me to point out that I see a bit of geometric distortion (image centre), which is easy to fix in post and rather harder if it's my eyesight. SM2012 · 2012-05-05: 06:05

nice place, good shot ????? · 2012-05-08: 13:13

Great photo and interesting woman. Maybe the 4th time was a charm? liveandletlive · 2012-05-08: 20:54

and apparently, she had architectural taste. for her time, this is an amazing strcuture... look at the huge fragile windows! :-) stormfish · 2012-05-09: 04:17

Tagged: architecture historic derbyshire nt hardwick