The Hardwick Hall Building Repair Project

Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall is one of the earliest English interpretations of Italian Renaissance architecture and stands as one of the greatest of all Elizabethan houses.  

It was built by Robert Smythson in 1590-9 for Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury.  

Huge grids of glass are used in this rectangular, turreted building, leading observers to rhyme ‘Hardwick Hall, more window than wall’. Each tower is crowned with a balustrade and each of the three main storeys has a ceiling higher than the one below. 

The Project

For centuries, Hardwick has needed a constant programme of repair and replacement of its walls, balustrades, roofs and windows. As part of this work, Hardwick is currently working to a ten-year repair and maintenance plan. This plan of essential repairs ensures that Hardwick is wind proof, water-tight and not rapidly deteriorating – thereby conserving this outstanding building and protecting its internationally renowned contents. 

Challenges

The sandstone Hardwick is built from was initially quarried from the estate, and its elevated position leaves the building comprised to the elements. The level of upkeep is such that there have been masons working on the 400-year old hall ever since it was built due to the constant deterioration by the weather. 

Current conservation work (2025-26)

We are currently in Year 7 of the building project. Masonry repairs including stone replacement, stone indent repair, stone mortar plastic repair, careful defrassing and redressing of stone and mortar pointing across a range of areas to the North East Turret and the North Turret of Hardwick Hall. The Outwing roof of the hall which has now expired and will be replaced with sand cast lead. Improvements to the thermal efficiency of the roof will be made by improving insulation levels and increasing the roof gutter depths to cope with increased frequencies of high rain fall. The conservation works continue to support the metal casement windows internally with replacement of lead came ties which are affixed back to the ferramenta bars. The long term security and conservation of these windows will be ensured by the installation of a copper tie under each of the lead came ties.

Masonry works will be undertaken to the slabs from the Stableyard cottages to the hall. A small trial will take place in 2025 to take up the existing slabs and cobbles and cut flat and re-set to provide greater accessibility around the hall.