_{Created entirely within Ultra Fractal 4.04.}

Inspired by the story of Bess of Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury (1527–1608), who rose from a young girl in service to become the second wealthiest woman in England, second only to the Queen herself, Elizabeth I. This she achieved through four canny marriages. Her ambitious dream was to see her grand-daughter crowned as the next Queen of England but this was not to be. Bess, however, did eventually end up with a descendant on the throne, namely the present Queen Elizabeth II.

Pearls were hideously expensive at the time so Bess bought them one at a time, as finances allowed, stringing them herself. She became well known for the many long strings of pearls that she wore. Her house, Hardwick Hall, is a well known landmark in Derbyshire and a favourite place that I like to visit. This year they are marking the 400th anniversary of her death, in February 1608, aged 81.

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