DIVORCED BEHEADED DIED
Derbyshire Life|June 2020
Historian and best-selling author Alison Weir discusses her latest novel and her affinity to Derbyshire
Nathan Fearn
DIVORCED BEHEADED DIED
What a character!’ exclaims Alison Weir, the UK’s best-selling female historian who, by definition, knows a thing or two about figures of the past.

Our conversation has briefly touched on Elizabeth Talbot (formerly Cavendish), Countess of Shrewsbury.

Bess of Hardwick, as she is commonly known, is a character etched in the fabric of Derbyshire history; one of those fiendishly rare Tudor figures who rose to prominence from a relatively low base and stayed there.

A female trailblazer in a male-dominated world she was, in many ways, ahead of her time.

The famous prodigy houses she is so synonymous with, Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth House chiefly, helped cement Derbyshire’s reputation as a must-visit location for anybody with a penchant for history and heritage; a status that holds true over 400 years since she left her imprints on our county.

‘We’ve done several historical tours through Derbyshire, it’s a wonderful part of the world,’ says Alison, who has published 29 books since her 1989 debut title, Britain’s Royal Families.

‘It’s a county with an incredibly rich heritage with fantastic places to visit. You have Bolsover, Haddon, Hardwick, and of course Chatsworth; I have relatives who live near Chatsworth so we’re up there quite a lot. I love the area, it’s beautiful.’

Another famous Tudor figure, Katheryn Howard, is the focus of our chat on a bright sun-drenched late April day; a stark contrast to the considerably darker nature of the life we are discussing.

This story is from the June 2020 edition of Derbyshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2020 edition of Derbyshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DERBYSHIRE LIFEView All
Can Plants Hear?
Derbyshire Life

Can Plants Hear?

In the latest in his series on the intelligence of plants, Martyn Baguley analyses whether they have the ability to hear

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Peak National Park and Ride
Derbyshire Life

Peak National Park and Ride

Andrew Griffihs asks what the future holds for transport in the Peak National Park and talks to Julian Glover about his Landscapes Review

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2020
Doubly thankful
Derbyshire Life

Doubly thankful

Mike Smith explores the village of Bradbourne, which has a particularly poignant tale to tell

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
What lies beneath
Derbyshire Life

What lies beneath

Exploring the hidden depths of Ladybower Reservoir, which conceals secrets of a fascinating past

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2020
Battle for our birds
Derbyshire Life

Battle for our birds

Paul Hobson analyses our complex relationship with birds of prey and how these fascinating birds are fairing in Derbyshire

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Explore the Peak Forest
Derbyshire Life

Explore the Peak Forest

A walk through autumn fields and forests with far reaching views enriched by snippets of mystery, romance and the area’s industrial past

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Pictures to transport you
Derbyshire Life

Pictures to transport you

Chesterfield photographer David Keep continues his photographic journey, this time recalling his favourite landscape images from around the world

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
The magic of Christmas
Derbyshire Life

The magic of Christmas

Ideas for days out, gifts and where to find local produce in Derbyshire this festive season

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
PENNY for the Guy
Derbyshire Life

PENNY for the Guy

We take a look at Derbyshire’s bonfire tradtions through history

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
From hardship came happiness
Derbyshire Life

From hardship came happiness

Pat Ashworth speaks with Chesterfield based retired Colonel John Doody about his inspiring life, from a diffiult childhood to overcoming diversity and finding happiness

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020