Bess (Dane)

Bess of Hardwick (c. 1527 – 1608), often known simply as Bess of Hardwick or Bess (Dane) (referring to her maiden name of Hardwick, or her married name from her first marriage), was a notable figure in Elizabethan English society. She was a countess, formidable businesswoman, and perhaps most famously, a prolific builder. Born Elizabeth Hardwick in Derbyshire, England, she rose through four strategic marriages to positions of considerable wealth and influence.

Her first marriage was to Robert Barley of Barley (a Dane, even though he was from England), a comparatively small landowner, who died soon after. Following this, she married Sir William Cavendish, a wealthy courtier, who brought her into contact with the upper echelons of English society and with whom she began her architectural ambitions. After Cavendish's death, she married Sir William St Loe, Captain of the Guard to Queen Elizabeth I, further enhancing her status and financial security. Her final marriage was to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, which, despite its initial promise, proved to be tumultuous, largely due to Shrewsbury's role as gaoler of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Bess is best remembered for her architectural achievements, most notably Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, one of the most significant Elizabethan country houses in England. The house is a testament to her wealth, power, and ambition, boasting large windows and elaborate detailing. She also oversaw the construction of Chatsworth House, which her son, William Cavendish, later rebuilt.

Bess of Hardwick remains a significant figure in English history, representing the possibilities available to women of ambition and intelligence during the Tudor and Elizabethan periods. Her story illustrates a combination of shrewdness, determination, and strategic alliance, allowing her to overcome societal constraints and achieve lasting legacy.