The Aftermath of the Union of Scotland and England
The 'Peaceful Persuasion' And Transplanting Of The Marchmen By James VI Scotland & I England/Scotland WITH the union of the two crowns in the person of James vi. and i. the golden time of the…
Raising an army against the Scots, The Muster Roll of the English Border
The Scots are coming! Everyone get your weapons and assemble [muster] in Carlisle to defend against the Scots, if you don’t muster then it is a capital offence – The Scots may kill you but…
Reiver Foot Soldier Video
A Reiver foot soldier introduces himself Scotland and England were in conflict in the 16th & 17th century so border raids, skirmishes and wars were frequent in this lawless land. Cattle rustling robbery and murder…
Curwen reiver family of Workington armed to raid the Scots
Curwen reivers of Workington steal the gates of Carlaverock Castle etc. The Curwens have been listed among the reiving families of the 16th century, and records show how forces were raised and armed to fight…
The Notorious Grahams
Grahams mentioned in text from the Historical Manuscripts Commission A Graham of 80 years old on the run and a Graham impotent with 12 children! Black mail first recorded by a Graham! (f125) Paragraphs from…
Kinmont Willie Escapes from Carlisle Castle
A STORY ABOUT THE REIVER KINMONT WILLY Text from the story telling of Peter Shaw, at Carlisle Castle. Click here for violent life and grave slab (Click here for Audio version ) [Click for song…
Sir Walter Scott Links with Carlisle
SIR WALTER SCOTT'S LINKS WITH CARLISLE Had it not been for Scott's collecting and reworking of many of the border ballads, much of the tradition, character and mythology of the Reiver story would be lost.…
Clothing of Border Reiver Men and Women
Clothing - Reiver Women Clothing in the mid and late 16th century had become not only functional but highly fashionable. Clothing was expensive and so the same outfit had to suffice for work and for…
Clothing armour weapons of Border Reivers
Clothing armour weapons of Border Reivers Clothing The inventory for Ewanrigg Hall in 1585 shows the relative value of clothing; a leather jacket had the same value as much as the best horse of a…
Reiver Truce Days and Locations
Reiver Days of Truce and Locations The Wardens of opposing Marches agreed upon a day and place of meeting usually on the frontier but sometimes elsewhere. In the west, Dumfries and Carlisle were convenient venues,…
Reiver Routes
Reiving Routes The following text is from text in the Callendar of Border Papers and dates from the 16th century. It gives an impression of the routes that Reivers may have taken on their raids…
Beacons Bells and Watchers
Watching the Border Beacons, Bells and Watchers England and Scotland were afraid of invasion from each other. Both countries were also troubled by raiding Reivers who would steal goods, kill or abduct people and destroy…
