Hardwick Hall, Old and New

'Old' the hall was built in the 1590s by the second richest woman in Elizabethan times, including this understated fireplace. The plasterwork went around the room along with some enormous tapestries.

I would recommend a visit, and we will go back again, but without our 5 year old granddaughter - only so we can spend more time going around it.

The 'New' part is the brightly coloured textile in front of the fire that is part of an exhibition throughout the hall. Unfortunately, I think this small piece detracts from the overall tone of this room.