Hazlewood Castle was originally the Hall of a Thane, founded by Mauger the Vavasour. In 1283 Sir William Vavasour founded the fortified stone manor house, licenced the detached chapel in 1286 and was granted a Royal licence to crenellate in 1290. 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. After being sold to the Carmelite Friars, Hazlewood was a monastery and a retreat from 1971 to 1996. 4 miles north-east is Tadcaster Castle.