It was an old castellated building, with bastions and walls capable of standing a siege.

The party were gladly received by the master, Sir Francis Burdett, who had placed his castle in a posture of defense, but was short of men.

Upon the news of the approach of the enemy he had hastily driven a number of cattle into the yard, and had stores of provisions sufficient to stand a siege for some time.
In a short time the Parliament force, consisting of five hundred footmen and two hundred horse, appeared before the castle, and summoned it to surrender.

Sir Francis refused to do so, and fired a gun in token of defiance.

Soon a train was seen approaching in the distance, and four guns were dragged by the enemy to a point of high ground near the castle.