BESS of Hardwick: New Perspectives

Bess of Hardwick was a wealthy Elizabethan woman who rose to the rank of countess, built one of the major 'prodigy houses' of the period, and had two daughters who became countesses. She was also jailer to Mary, Queen of Scots, and her granddaughter, Lady Arbella Stuart, was of royal blood and could have succeeded to the throne.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Bess of Hardwick, a remarkable figure in Elizabethan England, emerged from humble beginnings as the daughter of a country squire. Over the course of her extraordinary life, which was likely even longer than previously believed, she achieved remarkable wealth and status. By the end of her days, she stood as one of the wealthiest women in England, excluding the royal family. She ascended to the rank of countess and witnessed two of her daughters also attain this honor. Additionally, Bess constructed one of the prominent "prodigy houses" of her era. During her marriage to her fourth husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury, she held the prestigious position of jailer to Mary, Queen of Scots, and her granddaughter, Lady Arbella Stuart, through her second marriage, possessed royal blood and could have potentially claimed the throne of England. This comprehensive collection showcases the diverse range of Bess of Hardwick's activities and profound impact on her time.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 218 x 146 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526101297