Elizabeth De Hardwick was born in 1521, in Ault Hucknull, Hardwick, Derbyshire.
Her parents were John Hardwick of Hardwick House and Elizabeth Leake daughter of Thomas Leake of Hasland. John died in 1528, and left issue:
Bess married :
She died 13th February 1608, at Hardwick Hall and was buried at Allhallows, Derbyshire.
Bess of Hardwick, provides a link with the families of the Dukeries¹.
All were directly descended from her or connected by marriage.
Along with Hardwick and Chatsworth, her marriage with George Talbot brought her Wingfield, Sheffield, Rufford, Welbeck, Tutbury and Bolsover, plus two country houses, one at Handsworth and another at Oldcotes.

¹ The Dukeries is a name used since the 18th century to describe a large tract of Nottinghamshire which formerly contained the estates of 5 dukes: Duke of Portland, Duke of Newcastle, Duke of Kingston, Duke of Leeds, Duke of Norfolk