Elizabeth, known as Bess, started her life relatively
poor. She married four times, had six surviving children of her own and
many step-children. She was sent to the Tower twice by the Queen for her
attempts to promote herself in wealth and prosperity. Her grand-daughter,
Arabella Stuart, also was in line for the Throne.
Young Bess
Bess was a child born in a family of four girls and one boy. Their father
died when Bess was young, leaving a Will with a small wedding dowry for
the four daughters.
Bess's mother remarried Ralphe Leche, a young son of the Leche's of Chatsworth.
At the age of 12 years, she went into service in the household of a great
Derbyshire family, Sir John and Lady Zouche of Condor Castle. Her service
began in London, where Bess met her first husband, Robert Barlow. Robert
was also in service, but fell ill with chronic distemper. Bess nursed Robert
in his illness. He fell in love with her and they married. Bess was 13 years
old and Robert not much older. Robert died soon after they were married
and Bess gained a customary widows' jointure, which was a third of Robert's
income.
The advancement of wealth through a second marriage
Bess's second marriage was to Sir William Cavendish, a Royal Commissioner
employed in the business of disolving monasteries. He was granted church
land for his services and was able to buy other land cheaply. He was highly
respected and the Treasurer of the King's Chambers. Bess and William Cavendish
were married at the unearthly hour of 2 am, 20th August, 1547. The marriage
was happy and successful, even though William was 22 years older than Bess
and had three daughters from two previous marriages. Bess and William had
eight children, of which six survived (Frances, Henery, William, Charles,
Elizabeth and Mary).
He pleased Bess by selling his existing property and buying buildings in
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The first riot with villagers they had to
deal with occurred in 1548 due to the closing of waste land. This did not
deter Bess as she enclosed land and even depopulated villages throughout
her lifetime. Bess acquired her experience of accounting and estate management
from Sir William, lessons that she never forgot and set her in good stead
for her future wealth.
In 1557 Sir William Cavendish became seriously ill in London. Bess travelled
to nurse him better, to no avail, as he died on 25th October 1557. Bess's
interest in Chatsworth and other properties was promoted throughout the
rest of her life.
Lady St. Loe
Bess was appointed lady-in-waiting to the Queen of England. The ideal place
to find a suitable, wealthy and respectable husband was at court. In 1559,
Bess married Sir William St. Loe. He was a wealthy widower that had been
married twice previously and had children. He proved to be a most generous
husband. St. Loe called her his 'honest sweet Chatsworth' and his 'own sweet
Bess'. He took on her debts from her previous marriage to William Cavendish.
Queen Elizabeth was a good friend of the St. Loe's, as he had aided her
when her life was threatened. He was awarded Captain of the Guard and Butler
to the Royal Household.
However, all was not well as Bess was sent to the Tower for seven months
in 1561. This imprisonment occurred due to being involved with Lady Catherine
Grey. Catherine confessed that she had married the Earl of Hertford secretly
against the Queen's wishes and was pregnant. Bess refused to break the news
to the Queen and wanted nothing to do with the matter. The Queen was most
displeased and Bess was punished.
The heir to Sir William St. Loe should have been, by rights, his brother,
Edward. William and Edward did not see eye to eye and on one occasion Edward
attempted to poison Bess and William.
Sir William died five years into the marriage and left all his lands to
Bess and her children.
The search for a fourth husband
After St. Loe had died, Bess returned to Court. Slander had been spread
throughout Court regarding Bess by the tutor of her sons. The Queen ordered
that he was to be punished by corporal or otherwise, openly or publicly
for his actions. The type of slander is not known, but it was very vindictive
for such punishment to take place.
In 1567 Bess married George Talbot, the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury. He was a
widower with six children. He was regarded as the richest nobleman in England.
It was not only Bess who was married; the family combined with two other
marriages. Mary Cavendish (12 years old) was married to Gilbert Talbot,
Henery Cavendish (18 years old) was married to Grace Talbot (8 years old).
The Earl of Shrewsbury had eight principal houses; Sheffield Manor, Sheffield
Castle, South Wingfield Manor, Rufford Abbey, Welbeck Abbey, Worksop Manor,
Buxton Hall and Tutbury Castle. He also owned two properties in London.
In 1568, Shrewsbury was summoned by the Queen of England regarding his Bolsover
tenants. They had been causing trouble in the area and written a petition
to the Queen.
The Guardian of The Queen of Scots
Bess was delighted when she heard her husband was to be the Guardian of
Queen of Scots; it was a gesture from the Queen of England that they were
in favour.
In 1569, Mary Queen of Scots arrived at Tutbury Castle, a dull dwelling
which was originally a hunting box. It was damp, cold and half ruined. Mary
Queen of Scots remained in the Earl of Shrewsbury's custody until 1584.
They moved between the many houses, mainly Sheffield Castle, Sheffield Manor,
Wingfield Manor, The Lodge at Buxton and Bess's house, Chatsworth. Each
time a threat was made to rescue Mary, or harm her, they changed location.
Bess loathed to leave Chatsworth and longed to return when elsewhere.
Bess was jealous that her husband spent so much time with Mary Queen of
Scots so she decided to become her best friend. They spent much of the day
undertaking embroidery, tapestry and chatting.
Shrewd and Cunning to gain the best for her family
The Earl of Shrewsbury became ill at Wingfield Manor. He needed to be taken
to Buxton to recover. Bess did not have time to ask the Queen of England's
permission to leave the Queen of Scots. Queen Elizabeth was most displeased
regarding this matter and demanded that they return to Wingfield Manor.
They wrote to the Queen regarding William's health and in return she sent
a physician to Buxton to aid his recovery.
Queen Elizabeth thought they ought to feel disgraced for their actions.
Bess wrote to the Queen suggesting that she had no choice, but to choose
her husband's life against the consent of Her Majesty The Queen. The Queen
played the forgiving sovereign knowing that the couple would not outrightly
disobey her wishes again.
In October 1554, Bess went to Rufford with her daughter, Elizabeth Cavendish.
they had invited the Countess Lennox and her son, Charles, to stay at Rufford
Abbey, which Bess had renovated to her taste. Charles Lennox was the younger
brother of Mary Queen of Scots' husband, Lord Darnley, who had met his death
so mysteriously in Kirk O'field. Countess Lennox fell ill for five days.
Bess nursed her to health and Elizabeth and Charles were left to entertain
each other. The young couple fell madly in love. The Countess Lennox wished
her son happiness and Bess wanted her family wedded into the Royal Family
with or without Queen Elizabeth's consent. Queen Mary of Scots advised them
to be married and face the consequences after, which is exactly what happened.
As the Queen of England was furious, she sent for both women. Countess Lennox
was sent to the Tower, Bess was seriously warned of her actions and Mary
Queen of Scots stayed at Sheffield Castle. The atmosphere changed as soon
as she entered it, "it was as though a sharp wind blows through the
house". Bess was not happy about her experience and ridicule of being
in the Tower, the only revenge she could muster was to spread gossip and
slander she had heard regarding the Queen.
Elizabeth and Charles were in line to succession to the Throne and had a
daughter Arabella Stuart in 1575. Bess felt less kindly towards Queen Mary
of Scots after Arabella's birth. Arabella's father died in 1576, Countess
Lennox in 1578 and Elizabeth in 1582, leaving the child in the entire care
of Bess.
The Queen allocated £200/year for the child.
Bess wished to discredit Mary from the right to the Throne, so that Arabella
would be closer to the position. Queen Mary spent a great deal of time with
the child and became fond of her. When she found out Bess's plans for Arabella
to inherit the English Throne, the relationship between the two women became
very bitter.
Bess discovered that her husband was showing affection towards a serving
wench, Elenor Britton. Bess investigated and watched unfaithful deeds for
herself, in her husband's quarters, and began to plot revenge upon her adulterous
husband.
Bess and her two Cavendish sons were reported to have spread rumours that
Sir William St. Loe and Mary Queen of Scots were having an affair and that
she had two children through this adultery. In 1583, these rumours were
soon heard in Court. Queen Mary and Shrewsbury were angered by these reports
of untruths.
The Queen of England sent for Bess and her sons. They appealed to the Court
on their knees that the stories were malicious rumours and they signed a
declaration that Mary Queen of Scots had not had a child since being in
England.
Shrewsbury refused to forgive his wife, even though she persisted to write
to him to take her back. He thought her to be malicious, wicked and evil.
He is reported to have called her "that sharp bitter shrew". Queen
Mary's execution brought the couple together for a short while, living at
Wingfield Manor. He left and his agreed provisions for her dwindled, along
with his visits. He went to live at Hansworth Manor, Sheffield, with Elenor
Britton.
Hardwick Old Hall
In 1583, Bess bought Hardwick in her son William's name from her brother,
James, who had been heavily in debt for many years, for a sum of £9,500,
with the intention that after her death that this should be his estate.
She took furniture from Chatsworth to furnish the building.
Hardwick Hall
Bess replaced the old house with what is known as Hardwick Hall from 1585.
She built this and furnished it for a future Queen of England, which she
hoped Arabella to be. Others say that she built this house to be "a
craddle to her birth place". She wanted her house to be unlike any
before or after it. It became the home of the Cavendish family after her
death and is the only remaining building of Bess's to survive unaltered.
Bess was a hard mistress to work for, but rewarded and appreciated good
service. John Balehouse (painter) was a favoured servant, paid £2/year
and had a farm on Bess's land at Ault Hucknall. His wife was robbed and
Bess gave her 20 shillings to compensate for this. When the servants married,
they received a lump sum of a cash gift and their wages increased.
The Death of her Fourth Husband
In 1590, Lord Shrewsbury died and Bess regained all her lands, Wingfield
Manor, its iron works, Smithies and glass works, Bolsover Castle and its
coal pits, the parks at Alveton in Staffordshire, Shirland in Derbyshire
and Over Uden in Yorkshire for their pastures. Minerals and timbers in her
tenure were exploited and she gained a large widow' jointure. She was now
the richest woman, other than the Queen, in England.
Pits at Hardstoft and Tibshelf were let out. Bolsover pit was run by herself.
Wagons were used to transport the coal to Handsworth and Clowne Moor to
obtain a better price than in Bolsover.
Bess's estates became the management of 17 bailiffs, who collected rents
and arrears from tenants.
On 17th January, 1593, Bess signed a contract with Edward Savage to buy
the Manors of Health, Stainsby and Owlcoates for £3,416. Bess was
building a solid ownership of the lands around Hardwick.
Between 1594 and 1597 heavy rains caused there to be no harvest, famine,
starvation and disease throughout England. Bess had a 25% drop in income,
but carried out her building of Hardwick. She built fish ponds at Hardwick,
Wingfield and Shirland stocked with pike, carp, tench, bream and perch.
These only became useful in 1600, after the crisis had ceased.
Charles Cavendish started to build a house in Kirkby in Nottinghamshire,
but the house was never completed, as he was attacked and shot in the leg
by people on horse back. He used the stones to build Bolsover Castle, which
he bought from Gilbert Talbot in 1608.
In 1600 Bess's gross annual income was £10,000, not including money
given to William and Charles Cavendish. This wealth is incredible, remembering
she started her life an average Yeoman's daughter.
My Jewel Arabella
Arabella's father's connections to the Throne put her in line to rule England,
alongside James VI of Scotland. If Arabella had been a boy the chances of
reaching the throne of England would have been increased tremendously. Her
money and jewels left by the family had disappeared to Scottish and English
rulers. Arabella's life was restricted by her grandmother; teachings and
daily routines had to be adhered to.
Arabella had been betrothed to Leicester's son, Robert, at an early age,
but, unfortunately, Robert died in July 1584. No other marriage agreements
were undertaken after this as to not tempt fate.
During the summer of 1587, Arabella was staying in London with Mary Talbot.
At the age of 12 years she went to Court and dined with Her Majesty The
Queen of England.
In 1588 Arabella returned to Court. This is recalled as a disgrace, Arabella
insisted that she was more important than others in the Queen's presence,
which caused conflicts and her being ordered from Court by the Master of
Ceremonies.
In 1592, marriage of Arabella to Raunutio Farnese, a son of the Duke of
Parma, was discussed, but the Duke of Parma died shortly after, leaving
all plans of marriage for Arabella shattered once again.
There were many plots attempted to reinstate the Catholic Church on the
Throne via Arabella. Bess assured the Queen of England that this would not
happen. In 1602 Arabella was not getting any younger and longed for marriage.
She began to plot her own marriage to Edward Seymour.
A servant, Dodderage, was sent by Arabella, on a horse provided by Henery
Cavendish, with a message regarding the marriage of Edward Seymour and Arabella
Stewart.
On 30th December, 1602, Dodderage was held in the gatehouse jail at Westminster
for being involved in a plot against the Queen of England.
Arabella awaited the return of Dodderage and Edward Seymour her future husband.
On 7th January, 1603, Sir Henery Bronker, the Queen of England's right-hand
man, arrived at Hardwick. He gave a letter to Bess and asked to speak to
Arabella in private. Arabella was made to write her confession on paper.
The attempt disappointed him and he eventually wrote the confession and
she signed it. Arabella begged pardon from the Queen.
Bess asked that her grand-daughter be placed elsewhere to learn to be more
considerate or to bestow her in marriage.
The Queen wished for her to stay at Hardwick and have gentlemen and gentlewomen
watch over her actions. Bess replied informing the Queen that she could
not guarantee good carriage of Arabella.
Arabella refused to eat until she was removed from Hardwick. Bronker returned
and Arabella told a story of promised marriage and love which was untrue
and had to be pardoned once again. Arabella wrote many incoherent letters
to Bronker and it was concluded that she was insane.
Bess was asked to stop the letters. Violent scenes followed between the
two women.
Attempted Escape of Arabella
On 10th March, 1603, Henery Cavendish and Henery Stapleton, a catholic,
planned to help Arabella escape from Hardwick. This was not planned well.
They went to Ault Hucknall to watch from the church tower for Arabella to
take her exercise in front of Hardwick. However, they were unable to obtain
the key from the Vicar.
Bess did not allow Arabella to pass through the porter's lodge on any occasion.
Henery Cavendish and Henery Stapleton went to Hardwick and asked to speak
to Arabella. Henery Cavendish, known as the bad son, was allowed into the
house, but Stapleton was not. Arabella talked with Henery and walked to
the porter's lodge with him. Bess's servants did not allow Arabella's passage
through the lodge, as it was then known that 30-40 men waited for them at
Hucknall Village.
The Queen heard of the attempted escape and threats on her life and sent
Arabella to West Park, Bedfordshire, house of the Earl of Kent and Bess
was left in peace. She arranged many grandchildren's marriages until her
death.
On 24th March, 1603, Queen Elizabeth died and her successor was her cousin,
James of Scotland.
Bess did not include her son, Henery Cavendish or her grand-daughter, Arabella,
in her Will.
In 1605 Arabella visited Bess for the peerage of William, on behalf of James
VI. She was given £300 in cash and a gold cup.
Early in 1608, Bess reported to be so ill her maid could not leave her bedside,
day or night. She died on 13th February, 1608.
Bess was buried at Church All Saints, now the Cathedral of Derby, three
months later, 4th May, 1608.
Her effigy height is 5'3½", which is the average height for
a woman in the 17th Century. Her funeral was postponed due to her wishes
for William to be married to Christine Bruce, sister to Lord Leinloss.
In 1610 Arabella married Earl of Hertford, the most dangerous of possible
marriages and claimants to the throne and was sent to the Tower of London
where she died in 1615.
Thirty years after Bess's death, dramatist William Samson, born in the Midlands,
gave Bess first place in a book of poems called 'Virtus post funera vivit'
dedicated to those lately dead.
Many nobleman and royalty possess Bess of Hardwick's blood in their veins.
Her family is linked to the following families.
William Cavendish, the Duke of Devonshire, now living at Chatsworth House.
Charles Cavendish bought Welbeck from Gilbert Talbot and the Duchess of
Newcastle, Dukes of Portland have this connection. Frances, Bess's grand-daughter
is linked to the Dukes of Kingston and Earls of Manvers. Mary Talbot has
many connections with the Earls of Pembroke, Earls of Kent, Earl of Arundel
and Duke of Norfolk. Henery Cavendish is illegitimately linked to the Lords
of Waterpark.
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