Death
The end must come for all of us, even those as energetic and strong-willed as Bess. As she grew older and increasingly frail, Bess began to pass on more of her business to her son, William Cavendish. Although her physical health was dwindling – most of all her hip, which caused her considerable pain – Bess’s mind remained active, and she took a great interest in affairs of state and the lives of her children from her homes at Hardwick and Chatsworth. Queen Elizabeth died in 1603, and Bess must have realized that her own end was fast approaching.
Bess once again showed her characteristically sensible approach to business, as she took her time over her carefully-considered will. With all her children, step-children, and grandchildren, it would have been a disaster if she had died intestate. In early 1608, Bess’s health rapidly deteriorated, and she was almost constantly attended by her son and heir to her great empire, William Cavendish. Poor Bess had contracted pneumonia, and began to suffer from delusions. By February, she needed the attendance of a professional, Dr. Hunton, who gave her herbal remedies and nursed her through her final eleven days on earth.
On 13th February, Bess was surrounded by her children William, Mary, and Charles, and son-in-law Gilbert. That cold winter evening, at 5pm, she passed away, having fought a brave battle against pneumonia. She was around 81, an incredible age for the period. She had been staying at Hardwick Hall, and thus died yards from where she was born. Bess’s body lay in state for almost two months at Hardwick, whilst two public funeral services were arranged. Meticulous to the very end, Bess had chosen her vault at All Saints Church, Derby (now Derby Cathedral), and approved her own effigy.