In early 1644, during the English Civil War, the Royalist forces in York, commanded by the Marquis of Newcastle, faced a siege by a combined army of Scots and Parliamentarians. Prior to the siege, Newcastle sent most of his cavalry south under Lord Goring to join other Royalist armies, leaving 800 cavalry and 5,000 infantry to defend the city. York, strategically located at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss, was difficult to besiege due to its formidable medieval defenses and the protective lake formed by a dammed River Foss. Initially, the Scots occupied the western approaches, and the Fairfaxes covered the east, leaving the northern sector open, allowing the Royalist garrison some access to supplies.
The situation intensified in June when the Earl of Manchester's Eastern Association army joined the besiegers, closing off the previously unguarded northern sector and capturing nearby Royalist garrisons. The besieging forces, now complete, began systematic assaults, storming several outlying forts but facing strong resistance from the Royalists. A formal surrender demand was issued but rejected by Newcastle, leading to further mining and artillery bombardment. Meanwhile, the Committee of Both Kingdoms dispatched Sir Henry Vane to ensure that York's capture remained a priority despite the approaching Royalist relief force under Prince Rupert.
As Rupert’s army approached, the Parliamentarians and Scots abandoned the siege on June 30 to confront him, leaving York temporarily free. However, Rupert’s army suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Marston Moor on July 2. The besieging forces quickly returned, and with York’s defenses weakened and any hope of relief gone, Sir Thomas Glemham, left in charge by Newcastle, negotiated terms. On July 16, 1644, York’s garrison marched out, surrendering the city to the Parliamentarian forces, and Lord Fairfax was appointed Governor of York by Parliament.