Hardwick Hall

• Where is Hardwick Hall located?

  Derbyshire, built between 1590-1597
• Who are the people linked to the sight and what did they do?

  Robert Smythson - designer

  Thomas Accress - marble worker

  Abraham Smith - plasterer
• What kind of windows does the hall have?

  Mullioned windows
• What do the towers on the hall have?

  Tall towers with initials of her name on the roof
• What is the roof made of and why is this significant?

  Roof made of lead from her own mines. Lead was expensive so it shows her wealth
• What is the gatehouse and its significance?

  Made of expensive stone, has a crown to show status, large gates. The large and thick stone show she's strong and has a solid position in society
• Why is the hall having a chimney significant?

  The chimneys were intricately made, showing her wealth and the evolving fashions
• What is the design of the hall?

  It was inspired by Italian Renaissance and the Netherlands

  Row of rooms laid out side by side (single row house would have one row of rooms)
• What is the loggia?

  A covered walkway which allowed people to exercise without leaving or getting wet. It overlooks the landscape and it is inspired by Italy
• How does the hall show peace and stability?

  Large gardens in a symmetrical fashion

  Outward facing rooms with lots of glass showing that they no longer need defense

  Orchard supplied fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables
• What is the furnishing?

  Turking carpets

  Fine needle work

  Silk in high status rooms

  Wool in low status rooms

  French furniture
• How many floors does the halls have and what gets bigger as you go up?

  Three floors with windows getting bigger the higher you go up
• What of the house is a contrast to Medieval houses?

  The symmetrical design and the rooms facing outwards rather than inwards
• How does the lead on the roofs show growing prosperity?

  Lead on her roof is expensive and Bess can afford it. She also has her own lead mines. Smelting mills with waterwheel powered bellows.
• Where does Bess own foundries?

  Winster, Aldwark and Bonsall
• How does the glass show the growing prosperity of the owners?

  Many glass windows and glass was very expensive. Bess inherited the Wingfield Glass Works from her son in law
• How do the rooms in the house show the growing prosperity of the owners?

  The Blue room has silk chairs, turkish carpets and wonderful needlework
• What was different about the living spaces?

  They were separate, showing peace and privacy
• How does the long gallery show the changing fashions?

  It shows the importance of classical literature, tapestries and plaster work
• What was the long gallery?

  The Long Gallery was on the second floor and ran down the whole east side of the house. This provided wonderful views of the countryside and geometrically laid out gardens for Bess and visitors to enjoy
• What did Elizabeth display in the long gallery?

  In the long gallery, Bess displayed her tapestries and artwork. She had bought two sets of Fleming tapestries from Sir Christopher Hatton and replaced his coat of arms with her own. She also had pictures of nobles and royalty
• What was the purpose of the great hall?

  The purpose of the Great Hall was to be an impressive entrance for important guests but also where the lower servants ate and socialised. The double pile allowed Smythson to turn the hall 90 degrees
• What is on the third floor of the house?

  On the third floor, there was the best state rooms. The High Chamber, the state withdrawing room leading to the best bedchamber with its associated service rooms and the Long Gallery. Showing status and wealth
• Details about the windows and what they suggest?

  Had a lot of height, most distinctive feature of Hardwick Hall with external symmetry. This shows that Bess is incredibly rich as she had one of the only houses with those windows
• Details about the roof and what they suggest?

  Broad lead roofs that could cover rows of rooms with gently sloping roofs leading to gutters around the buildings. They show how wealthy Bess is as lead is very expensive
• What is the layout of the house and what does this suggest?

  Three floors with windows getting bigger the higher you go up. Servants on the floor, family and guests on the upper floors. Links to the Great Chain of Being with some 'low' in society and others 'high' as decided by God
• What do the orchards suggest about Bess?

  She is self sufficient as the orchards gave fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables
• How did the gentry show their wealth in their houses?

  The materials used like stone or brick

  Chimneys with intricate designs

  Big houses

  Libraries in separate rooms

  Impressive fireplaces and art collections