"Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall" was designed by Robert Smythson for Bess of Hardwick and remains a landmark of 16C architecture. The six towers which surround the main rectangular building all bear the initials E.S. (Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury). It is home to one of the largest galleries of its period and is famous for the tapestries and embroideries on its walls, one of which is the work of Mary Queen of Scots. The three embroideries in the drawing room are by Bess herself.