Hazelwood Castle Hotel and Spa in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, is a luxury hotel with a long history of bloodshed and ghosts, says RICK HALE
Hazelwood Castle Hotel and Spa
Tadcaster, North Yorkshire LS24 9NJ
The breathtaking Hazelwood Castle Hotel stands proudly in the Yorkshire countryside as a reminder when fortified houses were common throughout England.
This castle turned luxurious hotel, has a long history of war, bloodshed and of course, hauntings.
History of Hazelwood Castle
Hazelwood Castle was built in the late 13th century. It was described in the Domesday Book as the home of Sir Mauger the Vavasour.
The Vavasour family inhabited the castle for over 900 years, knowing nothing but struggle and betrayal.
During the Second Baron’s War (1264-1267), a rival branch of the Vavasour family laid siege to the house and burnt the chapel to the ground.
Sir William Vavasour rebuilt the chapel and fortified it seeing to it, no one would ever destroy this holy place again.
When King Henry VIII outlawed the Roman Catholic church between 1536 and 1541, many priests and monks sought refuge at Hazelwood Castle.
They were hidden away until they could safely make their escape out of the country until the persecution ended.
Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, the castle was modernised and used for several different purposes.
During World War II it was a maternity ward. From 1971-1996, it was used as a home for the friars of the Carmelite order.
And finally in 1997, it was converted into a hotel, restaurant and cooking school.
The Hauntings of Hazelwood Castle Hotel
Rumours of the castle being haunted go back to at least the 19th century.
And were spoken about in hushed tones throughout the 20th century.
All these rumours would be confirmed when the castle opened its doors as a hotel.
Shortly thereafter, both staff and guests reported encounters with the many supernatural entities said to call the castle home.
The Tansy Bedroom
Guests who have stayed in the Tansy bedroom have reported the phantom of a monk in a black robe.
This same figure has been witnessed quickly walking through St Margaret’s Courtyard only to disappear into a yew tree.
Lavender Bedroom
Housekeepers have reported a ghostly presence in the bathroom of the Lavender Bedroom.
One housekeeper, while making the bed, believed she was having a conversation with a guest in the bathroom.
When she went to say goodbye, she was shocked discover that she was alone in the room the entire time.
Rose Bedroom
Upon entering the Rose bedroom guests have reported seeing black shadows quickly run out of the room into the hall.
In 2003, one guest had a much different experience.
She called down to the front desk to report the sound of an infant screaming and crying.
The guest was stunned to learn that no babies were present in the hotel that night.
The Library
The apparition of a priest has been seen lingering in the library searching for a book.
It’s believed he was a member of the Carmelite order who died unexpectedly.
It would seem he will forever be searching for the book he sought in life.
Why stay at the Hazelwood Castle Hotel and Spa?
Hazelwood Castle Hotel and Spa is a tastefully and elegantly decorated hotel that offers all the amenities of a modern hotel.
The hotel offers 32 en-suite rooms and suites as well as a day spa for those who can only get away from it all for one day.
Hazelwood Castle Hotel offers a fine dining experience in its award winning restaurant, The Vavasour.
The restaurant also has a wide variety of wines to compliment your meal.
If you are planning your wedding, Hazelwood offers several packages catering to the demands of your wedding party.
Hazelwood Castle Hotel and Spa offers a truly memorable experience in a truly haunted hotel.
Have you been to Hazelwood Castle Hotel? Tell us about it in the comments section!
