The ladies of Stowe WI had their monthly meeting on Tuesday 9th September and after a brief formal meeting, they had a talk by Gill Sykes on Two Powerful Ladies of Staffordshire & Derbyshire.

To begin, Gill spoke about Bess Of Hardwick 1527 - 1608 who was a clever businesswoman and architect. She married very young and was widowed shortly afterwards. Her second husband, Sir William Cavendish, was 20 years her senior and he had built Chatsworth. On his death he left his entire estate to Bess. She built Hardwick Hall with more glass than wall - to emphasise her wealth!

Gill then spoke about Emily Meynell 1840 - 1904, and the similarities in her life to Bess of Hardwick and how they progressed in a Man’s World. Emily married Hugo Meynell Ingram who was 18 years her senior. He had Hoar Cross Hall built. They had no children and on his death she became an obsessive and neurotic widow who spent many years in mourning. She had the church near Hoar Cross Hall built in memory of her husband. Emily wanted this Anglo-Catholic Church to look like a cathedral.

It was a most fascinating talk about these 2 women who had been so successful in what was a very much a man’s world. Alison gave the vote of thanks. 

Meetings are held in the Village Hall at 7-30pm on the second Tuesday of the month.

New members and guests are always welcome.