I gave the English Heritage membership card a trip out today & visited Hardwick Old Hall in Derbyshire. Built on the instruction of Bess of Hardwick in the 16th century she decided it was too small and commissioned the building of Hardwick New Hall right next door.

This image shows the New Hall from the top of the ruins of the Old Hall. It was the second time we climbed the 127 steps to the top as the sun came out whilst we were having tea & cake.