Find out more about the history of the house and the area:

The Peak District is fascinating place to visit from so many different angles. In terms of personalities and history it helps to start with Bess of Hardwick really who, through a series of unfortunate or fortunate marriages, depending on how you look at it accumulated great wealth and influence. She was keeper to the captive Mary, Queen of Scots and is responsible for the most extensive collection of tapestries and textiles to have been preserved by a single family. She also is remember for her construction projects including Chatsworth and “Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall”, because of the number and size of its windows.