It's modern name, Tadcaster, is thought to be derived from the the land belonging to 'Tada' on the site of a 'caster' or Roman fort. 

The Town is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxton Chronicle as the place where King Harold assembled his army prior to the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.  It is also mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book where it is named as Tatecastre.

Tadcaster Castle, a motte-and-bailey fortress was founded by William de Percy in the latter part of the 11 Century, but was abandoned in the 12 Century.  The remains of the motte can be seen today.

St Mary's Church is thought to have been first built in the middle of the 12 Century but was twice rebuilt. First due to being burnt down by the Scots in 1318 and later to protect it from flooding when it was rebuilt stone by stone raising the foundations by 5 feet (1.5m). 

In 1270, Henry de Percy obtained a royal charter from Henry III to hold a market and fair.

The Ark was built in the late 15 Century as is still used today by Tadcaster Town Council.

The Battle of Tadcaster (English Civil War)commenced on the 7 December of 1642, between the Parliamentarian forces of Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Royalist army of Sir Thomas Glemham where the Parliamentarian forces were defeated and forced to retreat.

Stone quarried from Tadcaster has been used to build important buildings such as York Minster.

The Town has a long history of brewing and still boasts three working breweries.