NEWS - V8 Day Out at Hardwick Hall rearranged - now Sunday 26th May 2013 A visit to Hardwick Hall, a National Trust property in Derbyshire, has been rescheduled for Sunday 26th May 2013 with an informal picnic in the grounds and a tour of the house. An Elizabethan masterpiece Hardwick Hall, in Derbyshire, is one of the most significant Elizabethan country houses in England. In common with architect Robert Smythson's other works at both Longleat House and Wollaton Hall, Hardwick Hall is one of the earliest examples of the English interpretation of the Renaissance style of architecture. Hardwick is a conspicuous statement of the wealth and power of Bess of Hardwick, who was the richest woman in England after Queen Elizabeth I herself. It was one of the first English houses where the great hall was built on an axis through the centre of the house rather than at right angles to the entrance. Hardwick Old Hall (English Heritage) The re-modelled family home of Bess of Hardwick, one of the richest and most remarkable women of Elizabethan England, stands beside Hardwick New Hall which she had built later in the 1590s. Though the Old Hall is now roofless, visitors can still ascend four floors to view surviving decorative plasterwork, as well as the kitchen and service rooms with our audio tour. An exhibition in the West Lodge describes Bess' adventures in architecture, and how she transformed her birthplace from a medieval manor house into a luxurious Elizabethan mansion. Combined with a trip to the New Hall, it is a memorable day out in Derbyshire. English Heritage website: More National Trust Website: More Where is Hardwick Hall and how do I get there? Hardwick Hall Doe Lea Chesterfield Satnav: S44 5QJ OS Grid Ref: 120:SK463638 Directions and a maps: 8 miles south-east of Chesterfield; via A6175. Leave the M1 exit 29 and follow the brown signs. Multimap How do I join the V8 Day Out 2013? Bookings can be made direct with the organiser Ken Clayton for this event. The event is open to all members of the MG Car Club and their friends. Contact Ken Clayton for bookings. Download a booking form See the Bookings list. More Further details of the event. More Event Organiser Ken Clayton Mobile: 07973 899056 Home: 01629 630005 Email Important No part of the event is timed and it is not a rally or a competitive event.