Bess of Hardwick: Portrait of an Elizabethan Dynast

by David N. Durant

Presenting a19th century, her blood was flowing through most of the aristocratic families of England, and she more than guaranteed her status as one of the most remarkable women in Tudor history.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, 16th Century

274 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awe inspiring and absorbing read, about one of British history's most remarkable women and her dynasty. Whose legacy is most apparent to us today through her creation of Hardwick Hall (1597), and Chatsworth House. The book is quite dense, as it would be, tracing Bess's remarkable deeds, fortunes and misfortunes (notably that of her granddaughter Arabella Stuart) but it is eminently readable. I have been to both Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth House twice, so it was fascinating to learn more about the woman behind these legendary families and houses.

[Vivian Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have the good fortune to own this first American edition that I purchased in 1978 after having the privilege of meeting David Durant in his thatched room home in Nottinghamshire at that time.

I found the story of Bess mesmerising. a rich, powerful woman who increased her influence, status and fortune with each of her four marriages, which culminated with her becoming Countess of Shrewsbury, jailer to Mary Stuart, Queen of the Scots, and grandmother to Arbella Stuart. who was the great great granddaughter of Margaret, Henry VIII sister and a claimant to the English throne.

This book began my fascination with strong women in history and the discovery that despite our modern belief that wealthier women of the Middle Ages and Renaissance were merely decorative chattel, there are numerous examples of formidable women who exercised power and influence.

I thank David Durant for providing the impetus to discovery more of these rely role models.

[Ti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long admired Bess and her accomplishments and I have visited her beautiful Chatsworth though much of her building work is no longer there. This book was a long read for me, when I usually can read a book a night this one actually took me a few weeks because it was so deep and heavily involved with all of her facts. Once you read it, you appreciate the woman and the legend of Bess even more. This is not a book of fiction but of facts gathered from actual materials from the time period. Well worth the read!

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing examination of a woman who is related to many of the British Aristocracy. She was a close friend, as much as anyone could be, of Elizabeth, and managed to survive during the sometimes turbulent years of the end of the Tudor Dynasty. My only wish is I needed a family tree of many of these families.

[Emma Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading about Bess, she was remarkable women. It was well written and kept me interested.

[Pod]

Anything is possible if you are focused and never give up.