Thomas Fairfax and Ferdinando Fairfax black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: 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). Recorded plaque organisation: York Civic Trust.

Lord General Thomas Fairfax and his father, Lord Ferdinando Fairfax, were prominent Parliamentary leaders during the English Civil War; they are remembered for their role in preserving York and its historical artifacts, particularly the stained glass of York Minster, during the Siege of York in 1644.