From Autumn 1644 until November 1645 the castle was besieged by Parliamentary forces, Sir John surrendered only after the last of the horses and all other animals are eaten, with the garrison inside starving.
For nearly a year, from Autumn 1644 to November 1645, the castle was under siege by Parliamentarian troops. It wasn't until the last of its horses and livestock had been eaten that Sir John finally surrendered, with the besieged garrison on the brink of starvation.