In the year 1296, Edward I of England launched a series of vicious raids across the Anglo-Scottish Border in his attempt to annexe Scotland. The Scots retaliated and the two countries were plunged into 300 years of war in which the Borderland became the frontline and raiding, or ‘reiving,’ encouraged by both sides, became a [...]

This chapter will now outline the laws by which Sir Robert Carey would rule, and then say something of the Commission of 1597.1 It is hoped that this chapter will provide an understanding of the laws of the Borders, and that the Commission of 1597 will show the problems the Border faced at the time [...]

The Reivers view of religion was the result of a number of factors. To begin with the church had little presence on the border. Due to the state of the border there were few members of the clergy who would wish to take up residence and the challenge of converting cattle rustlers, theifs and murderers.