Elizabeth Talbot, also known as Bess of Hardwick, was born on July 27, 1527. She was the third daughter of John Hardwick of Derbyshire. In 1539, at the age of twelve, her parents sent her to live at Codnor Castle in London as part of the household of Lady Zouche. While in London, she married for the first time to fourteen-year-old Robert Barlow, heir to a neighboring estate. Because Bess and Robert were so young, they had to wait before they consummated their marriage. Unfortunately, Robert fell ill and died in 1544 and Bess was a widow at the age of 17.
Lady Cavindish
Bess married a second time on August 20, 1547, to Sir William Cavendish, Treasurer of King Henry VIII’s Chamber. Sir Cavendish was much older and had two daughters who were twice the age of Bess. Bess and Sir William were married for ten years. During this time, Bess gave birth to eight children, of whom six survived. It was on Bess’s advice that Sir William bought Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire, the home of the Dukes of Devonshire. Sir William died on October 25, 1557, and Bess was a widow again.
Lady St. Lowe
In 1559, Bess married Sir William St. Lowe. Sir William was a Captain of the Guard and Chief Butler of England under Queen Elizabeth I. Bess and Sir William did not have any children. Sir William died in 1564, leaving everything to Bess.
Countess of Shrewsbury
Bess was now a very wealthy woman. In addition, she was a Lady of the Bedchamber. All this made her attractive to potential suitors and many men became courting her. In 1568, she chose George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, one of the leading aristocrats in the country, as her fourth husband. Bess was now the Countess of Shrewsbury.
Mary, Queen of Scots
For fifteen years (1569-1584), the Shrewsburys acted as “guardians” for Mary, Queen of Scots during her confinement. After Queen Mary was removed to the home of Sir Amias Paulet, Bess and George separated for good. The two had separated many times and the problems were aggravated by Mary, with whom Bess suspected George of having an affair. This has never been proven. George died in 1590.
Legacy
For the remainder of her life, Bess concentrated on building projects, including Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall. She died on February 13, 1608, at the age of 80. She is buried in the vault of Derby Cathedral.
Bess of Hardwick has left a considerable legacy. Her son, William, was the forebear of the Dukes of Devonshire. Another son, Charles, was the forebear of the Dukes of Newcastle. Her granddaughter was Arabella Stuart, who had a claim to the thrones of Scotland and England. The current queen, Queen Elizabeth II, is a descendant. In addition, Bess has bequeathed a large collection of textiles, embroidery, and canvaswork to her heirs. In 1601, Bess ordered an inventory of the household furnishings at her three properties. This collection is known as the Hardwick Hall textiles and is the largest collection of textiles preserved by a single family.
Sources:
Durant, David N. Bess of Hardwick: Portrait of an Elizabethan Dynast. New York: Atheneum, 1977.
Lovell, Mary S. Bess of Hardwick: First Lady of Chatsworth, 1527-1608. London: Little-Brown, 2005.
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