Hazlewood Castle was originally a Norman fortified manor house, founded by Sir Mauger the Vavasour. In 1290, Sir William Vavasour was granted a licence to crenellate and he founded the stone castle, when adding a tower house and a detached chapel. In the late 15th century, the two cross wings were modernised and in the early 16th century, a three storey, crenellated solar tower, with a projecting garderobe turret, was added. The house was then absorbed in the construction of an 18th century Georgian country house and sadly none of the surrounding defensive fortifications survived. 4 miles north-east is Tadcaster Castle.