Introduction
This post explains the Border Reivers. These comprised a number of warring families who dominated the Scottish Borders region for a period of about 300 years.
Summary information on the Border Reivers-Part 1
The Reivers were a group of families who lived in the ‘Debateable Land’ between the 14th and 17th centuries.This was an area whose ownership was disputed between England and Scotland in what is now Southern Scotland. The key areas were Liddesdale, Redesdale and Tynedale. During the medieval period this border region was generally wild, lawless and economically poor. These conditions triggered self-preservation centred on family groups or clans whose allegiances fluctuated. However, such allegiances did not necessarily align with the national governments of Scotland or England. Reiving is a term used to describe raiding. This activity usually entailed stealing of cattle, sheep or any other assets which were mobile or could easily be transported. In the locality, reiving was a way of life, practised by all social classes and not viewed with discredit.
Summary information on the Border Reivers-Part 2
Reiving had its origins in the constant warring between England and Scotland dating from the 14th century. The border areas of Scotland were subject to invasions by the English and became a buffer zone between two belligerent neighbours. Consequently, the area morphed into a political and economic wasteland, a situation which lasted for a period of over 300 years. The English raided the Scots, the Scots raided the English and the various Reiver families raided each other. The situation was aggravated by inefficient government and corrupt officials. In essence, families like the Graemes, Armstrongs, Elliots, Routledges, Nixons, Bells Douglasses, Hepburns, and Scotts became too powerful. Consequently, they were left alone by governments. It actually suited the respective governments of England and Scotland to have a “buffer” zone between the two countries.
Summary information on the Border Reivers-Part 3
In this pre-industrial era, most reiving was carried between Lammas (August 1st) and Candlemas (February 2nd.). This was after the harvest had been gathered and when the horses and been fed and in good condition.
Smailholm Tower
Smailholm Tower was originally built in the 15th century or early 16th century by the Pringle family. It was designed to provide its occupants with protection from sporadic English raids. The tower was attacked by English soldiers in 1543, 1544 and again in 1546.
Reiving was brought to an end in the early 17th century when James VI of Scotland became James I of England.He initiated a policy of unification. The term ‘Borders’ was forbidden and thereafter to be known as the Middle Shires. A policy of ruthless law enforcement was initiated, particularly targeted at the reiving families.These people were dispossessed of their lands, hunted down, executed where appropriate and forbidden from carrying weapons. This policy proved successful in that the rule of law was imposed.However, the downside was the scattering of many former proud family groups to England, Ireland, America and elsewhere. Like America’s Wild West, the reiving period gave rise to a legacy of famous characters. Reiving legends included Kinmont Willie, Wat of Harden, Little Jock Elliot, Lang Sandy and Johnnie Armstrong of Gilnockie.
Summary information on the Border Reivers-Part 4
The Reiver Trail
-Carlenrig, where the Scottish reiver, Johnnie Armstrong, met his death by hanging without trial. There are monuments to both his actual burying place and his life, with latter in nearby graveyard.
-Muckle Toon of Langholm. A pleasant Borders town wherein can be found both the Clan Armstrong Museum and ruins of Langholm Castle, built by the Armstrongs.
–Gilnlockie/Hollows which is one of the best preserved reivers tower house or ‘pele’. This may have been the home of the notorious Johnnie Armstrong.
Langholm
-Memorial to Lang Sandy Armstrong at Rowanburn village. He was hanged along with his 11 sons in the early 17th century.
-Ettletown Cemetery with its Armstrong Memorial Wall. Also, a number of other Armstrong memorials including that of an Armstrong who was shot dead by a minister of religion without warning.
–Milnholm Cross, one of the oldest relics of the Armstrong Clan which extends to eight feet in height. The cross was erected to commemorate an Armstrong Laird who was killed at nearby Hermitage Castle.
–Liddesdale Heritage Centre which has information on the Reiver era and Armstrong history.
–Mangerton Tower, the 12th century seat of the Armstrongs and now a ruin by side of defunct railway line, past a holiday park.
-Kershopefoot to see the Tourneyholm site where English and Scottish prisoners were exchanged and arguments settled by single combat.
-The stunning Hermitage Castle, a massive edifice which stands isolated and austere in the rolling landscape. This must have proved a formidable fortress which had links with the Douglasses, Hepburns, Elliots and Scotts.
More Information for the visitor to Scotland
The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes a section on the Scottish Borders and much more. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information on Scotland. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.