Bess of hardwick biography

Elizabeth Cavendish, later Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury (née Hardwick; c. 27 July – 13 February ), known as Bess of Hardwick, of Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, was a notable figure of Elizabethan English society. By a series of well-made marriages, she rose to the highest levels of English nobility and became enormously wealthy. Rising from a modest background to become a friend of Elizabeth I and one of the richest women of her time, Bess of Hardwick was also a tireless and ambitious builder, whose houses symbolised her rise to wealth and power. Early years First steps Professional growth Public recognition Peak period Later years Public interest Professional activity Media attention
Bess of Hardwick: schemer, social climber, scourge of Elizabeth I Bess of Hardwick married her way into great wealth and power. Historian Tracy Borman charts the astonishing rise of a courtier who was a thorn in the side of both Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.