Hardwick Hall was 'built' between 1590 - 1597 by Bess of Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury and it was owned by her descendants until the mid-twentieth century she was the richest woman in England after Queen Elizabeth I, and her house was a statement of her wealth and power. The windows are exceptionally large and numerous at a time when glass was a luxury, leading to the saying, "Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall.. [Wiki]