Castle History

Vavasour Family

The land on which Hazlewood Castle sits was subject to the great harrying of the north during the winter of 1069-70 where William I brutally replaced Anglo-Saxon landowners with his own countrymen. A poor Saxon named Gamel was replaced with, Norman, Mauger Le Vavasour. Vavasour was the Norman name for a vassal and Mauger was the vassal of William de Percy, whom he had accompanied on the Norman invasion.

For more than a centuary after Mauger arrived at Hazlewood, the Vavasours lived here happily and peacefully.

Keep your eyes peeled when walking around the castle as you will see the Vavasour crest of arms (pictured) heavily featured.

Maud Le Vavasour - Was she Maid Marion?

Maud's second marriage to Fulk Fitzwarren on October 1st 1207, was a marriage that made her famous. 

The story goes that Fulk had a violent argument with King John of England, he sought refuge in the woods, became an outlaw and Maud accompanied him. The legendary figures of Robin Hood and Maid Marion are said to be based on Fulk and Maud. 

Hazlewood Babies

Between the years of 1939 and 1953 over 2,500 babies were born at the Castle during Hazlewoods stint as a maternity hospital. The Victoria Room (pictured) was one of the maternity wards.

On 2nd September 2009 Hazlewood babies met up at a garden party thrown in their honour, it was an emotional occasion where babies, mothers, midwives and fathers shared some incredible moments in their lives as well as some heart-warming stories.

Our Director - Martin Wicks welcomed the babies

A shortened version of his speech.

May I welcome all the Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses returning to your birth-place, Hazlewood Castle. We have a number of babies and family members here today who have travelled from France, Canada and Australia and for which we are all very grateful to you.

Today is about reminiscing and sharing life memories of those born here and who gave birth during the Castle’s time as a maternity hospital between 1939 and 1953. In preparing for today we asked for your own personal life stories which make wonderful reading and will now take permanent pride of place in our Flemish Hall as a Commemorative Memoir.

There are many more tales and you play a very significant part in that history and as such are now welcomed as Life Long Members of Hazlewood Castle with the associated privileges.

There is much to enjoy and I would like to Thank You for celebrating with us, the Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses of Hazlewood Castle.

Thank You.