Bess of Hardwick

The following particulars in answer to this Query will, I hope, elicit some further information from other quarters. I have, in my answer, attempted to be as brief as possible. John, the fifth recorded Hardwick, of Hardwick, left issue, by Elizabeth Leake, six children: of whom JAMES (or John) was thrice married, and died *sine prole*, and DOROTHY died an infant: the four remaining daughters became coheiresses. Of these MARY HARDWICK married (his first wife) Richard Wingfield, of Wantisden, seventh son of Sir Anthony Wingfield, of Letheringham, co. Suffolk, K.G. His will was proved in London 1…