The Siege of York 1644. On the 16th July 1644 the Royalists surrendered the City (after three months of siege) to the besieging Parliamentary forces at this point. The terms of surrender were generous and it was due to Ferdinando Fairfax and his son, Thomas Fairfax, second and third Lords Fairfax of Cameron, that the City (and in particular the Minster glass) was preserved from destruction. This plaque was unveiled on the 350th Anniversary of the surrender by Nicholas, 14th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, and the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of York (Coun. David Wilde).