The Countess of Shrewsbury, also known as Bess of Hardwick, was born in Derbyshire (1520 – 1608) as Elizabeth Cavendish. She was born during the reign of Henry VIII, lived through the reigns of Edward VI (1547 – 1553), Lady Jane Gray (1553), “Bloody” Mary Tudor (1553 – 1558), and into the reign of Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603). She survived four husbands, had six children, and died at the age of 88.

 

 

During this time she made some well place marriages and became connected to the highest levels of English nobility, including serving Queen Elizabeth herself. She was an intelligent and a shrewd business woman who became one of the richest women in England, second only to Queen Elizabeth.

 

 

She is considered one of the outstanding embroiderers of all time. Many pieces of her needlework survive today in her last home, Hardwick Hall. Built in 1601 on the site of her birthplace in Derbyshire, it is now part of the National Trust. Much of the needlework stitched during her life is now known as the Hardwick Hall textiles and is the largest collection of needlework to have been preserved by a single family. This collection also includes pieces she worked on with Mary Queen of Scots while her husband was assigned the care of the imprisoned Queen (1569 – 1584).

 

 

Queen Elizabeth II, and now King Charles, are descendants of Bess’s through her mother’s side.