Hardwick Old Hall stands in the grounds of Hardwick Hall, Bess of Hardwick's monumental Elizabethan home. The Old Hall was Bess's first attempt at a house in this location, but even before the house was finished in 1591 Bess had begun building the even more elaborate "New Hall" beside it.
In contrast to the "New" Hall, completed in 1597, the Old Hall at Hardwick is in a state of partial ruin, though visitors can climb to the upper floor for excellent views over the surrounding countryside and Hardwick Hall. The Old Hall does contain excellent original plasterwork. Visitors can listen to the "Bess of Hardwick Story" audio tour.
