Description: At the end of the 16th century, the manor house nearby was home to Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, known locally as Bess of Hardwick and it is thought that Bess built the present inn, on the site of an older hostelry, for one of her faithful servants. Constructed of locally quarried sandstone, the mellow building retains to this day many original features, including the leaded windows and gables. In 1959 Hardwick Hall, its surrounding park and woodland, and the inn, were transferred into the care of the National Trust, who continue to be responsible for their care and preservation.