A Visit to Hardwick Hall

Back in July 2024, after teaching had finished, I – along with other teachers – entered a strange period in which we were expected to engage in continuous professional development (CPD for short) before breaking up for a summer holiday. This CPD week is a strange one because staff members are usually tired after a hard academic year, and all thoughts are on what they are going to do with their summer break. Therefore, the week has a lacklustre quality.

But not this week in July 2024.

That was because my colleague – fellow history teacher Katie – had the great idea for us to take one of the college’s cars and drive – there and back in one day – from Devon up to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. As someone who teaches the GCSE History qualification, it was useful for Katie to actually see a key site that would feature in the final exams, and so with little persuasion (and with Katie’s organisation) we decided to leave behind the college’s CPD week and engage in some proper hands-on history.

Hardwick Hall is famous in Tudor enthusiast circles for being the former home of Bess of Hardwick, a prominent lady in the late Tudor period due to her vast wealth and connections. The house (as the pictures show, not just any mere house) was built in the 1590s, and it is often cited as an example of a new type of stately Renaissance home which intended to impress; rather than a castle that had been converted into a place of residence.

Today the building and grounds are under the supervision of the National Trust, so as NT card carriers, we were able to do the trek up to the midlands and spend a few hours having a look around. Hardwick Hall is incredibly impressive, with one of my favourite highlights being the long gallery which displayed many embroideries. After walking in the house, we then walked to the nearby Hardwick Old Hall, which remains as a ruin from which are stunning views.

Having walked around the property and had a little nose in the gift shop, we then headed back to Devon. In terms of CPD, it was perfect: a chance to get out and explore a historical site of large importance to the Tudor age. Hopefully we’ll use this week in future years to do something similar.