By November 1645 Newark was enduring its longest siege. This one was to last up to the end of the War in May 1646. 14,000 English and Scottish Troops surrounded the town, and despite persistent and heavy bombardment the Town did not surrender until after the King himself had given up. By November 1645 the town's defences had been substantially reinforced by the Dutch Engineer, Sir Bernard de Gomme. His original plan for the defences is on display in the Town's Museum. The defence consisted of a large rampart with small forts stationed within musket shot range of each other. At points around the defences larger forts were built. The Queens Sconce on the South West approach to the town exists to this day, and represents one of the best surviving examples of an earthwork defence of this nature in the country.
The Third Siege was a long drawn out and wretched affair. Early in the siege Prince Rupert visited the King who was staying at the Governor's House in an attempt to persuade him that the cause was lost and his best option would be to negotiate with Parliament. They rowed. The King accused Rupert of cowardice and banished him. Rupert returned to Holland never to see Charles again. The King then left Newark to defend itself. This time there was to be no hope of relief. Soon after he left there was a push from 7000 Scots on the Parliamentary side across Muskham bridge and allowing them to set up camp on the island between the two branches of the Trent. The Town was now completely encircled. The defenders fiercely counter-attacked so often and so effectively that the Roundheads had to build their own defences.
As the siege continued supplies in the town ran out. Coinage came into short supply and the civic silver was melted down and made into coins. These were an odd lozenge shape and examples form part of the Town Council's treasures.
