The first mention of Gryazovets dates back to 1538, when it was described as a settlement dependent on the Korniliyevo-Komelsky Monastery. The settlement was chartered on January 25, 1780, when it became the seat of Gryazovetsky Uyezd of Vologda Viceroyalty. The viceroyalty was abolished in 1796 and its part which included Gryazovetsky Uyezd became Vologda Governorate.