The Queen's Bed

One of these two beds was perhaps Queen Anne's bed, used when she was staying at Hardwick Hall.  Most probably the blue one but the other bed with the wonderful wooden chest was also luxurious.

The Kitchen

The kitchen at Hardwick Hall was a real showplace.  This was the larger of two stoves and the copper pots and pans were so very clean and shiny.  I wonder at what date the kitchen was last renovated?

Recording History

The document store room at Hardwick contained records from when it was built in the mid 16th. century.  Records of building progress, visitors and guests, purchases and staff appointments.  The platter, which was on show in the main hall, is somewhat mysterious.  It looks as though it may be Islamic but no details were available.

Downstairs at Hardwick

These instructive white china plates are probably not nearly as old as the blue and white Chinese vases shown in my last blog.  The kitchen and servery for Hardwick Hall were just as interesting as the main house upstairs.

Hardwick Hall, UK

These two Chinese porcelain vases were in the main hall at Hardwick.  This National Trust property was built by Elizabeth, The Countess of Shewsbury in the mid 16th. century.  It would be interesting to know how old these vases would be.

Pots by the Thorsby Potters

Some of the pots being loaded into the kiln at Thorsby and two quite large disc/platters that I thought were interesting.

Thorsby Park, Nottinghamshire

This lovely garden shed at Thorsby Park was built in keeping with the main stables buildings that show in the background.  There was also a large round brick building that is now used as a garden centre selling plants and shrubs.  The lower picture is of the wood fired kiln used by a group of local potters.  It is also in a brick building in keeping with the others at the park.

Chesterfield Again

The Chesterfield Market looked most interesting but we did not have time to explore.  I took the photo of the litter bin as an aid to remember the city name but found the logo to be quite ...... No! No! I won't say it.