Bess of Hardwick

Or rather, her handiwork.

The view is of the newer Hardwick Hall, seen from the ruins of the Old Hall. Bess was the brains (and the money) behind both - and she was so enthusiastic about buildings and development that she started work on the new one before the renovation of the old one was complete. The Old Hall was deliberately ruined in the 17th Century, when having attractive ruins was fashionable !!

A wonderful day out - with two of my longest-standing (daren't say oldest!) friends. They'd never met before and we had a brilliant day in these marvellous surroundings - and even avoided the worst of the rain

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