Bess of Hardwick: life of the week

Tracy Borman tells the remarkable story of a Tudor social climber whose thirst for power rattled Queen Elizabeth I

Published: July 21, 2026 at 4:28 PM

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Bess of Hardwick fell out spectacularly with Mary, Queen of Scots and was dumped in the Tower of London by Elizabeth I. Yet nothing could get in the way of this extraordinary social climber.

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In this episode, Tracy Borman tells Spencer Mizen about a woman who accrued vast wealth, repeatedly rattled the Tudor court and ultimately earned the grudging respect of the Virgin Queen.

Authors

Spencer MizenSenior production editor

Spencer is senior production editor of HistoryExtra magazine

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