The ruins of Spofforth Castle are what is left of a fortified manor house dating from the 13th century. It was originally a seat of power for the Percys, one of the most prominent noble families in medieval England. It is reputed to be the location where rebel barons drew up the Magna Carta in 1215.

It was damaged during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century and rebuilt only to be slighted again during the English Civil War.