Bess of Hardwick

Bess of Hardwick (1521-1607) started off as a relatively poor woman but gained wealth by marriage. Bess married 4 times and had 6 surviving children, She was appointed as a Lady in Waiting for Queen Elizabeth this was a good place for her to find another suitable husband as the first two husbands had passed away. She was then married for the third time, this husband took on her previous marriage debts, but 5 years into the marriage he also died and left all his lands to Bess. Bess was then married for the fourth time. It was lead that Bess had poisoned one of her husbands and was having an affair with his brother but this was never proven.

[1]

References 

http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Bios/BessofHardwick.htm


[1]Anon.1557. Bess of Hardwick [digital image] [16/11/15] Available from: http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/bessofhardwick.htm