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 way of life. Keith Durham examines the Border fortresses, ranging from small, well-defended castles to imposing tower houses, or ‘peles,’ and a variety of fortified farmhouses known as ‘bastles.’ He also investigates the many churches that were strengthened against attack and in times of trouble served as sanctuaries for their congregations. Packed with full-colour photographs and detailed cut-away artwork, this is an ideal historical commentary for any tourist visiting the sites that are dotted across the whole of the Border region.

This is a superb addition to the Osprey series of publications, and manages to pack a quart into the pint pint of its slim volume. It gives a succinct but comprehensive account of Border fortifications from castles to bastles, via churches, peles and tower houses. It also manages to place these in the context of the wild and lawless Border society and the ongoing conflict between England and Scotland. The captions are excellent and informative with superb photos and drawings. As someone who knows most of the places mentioned I can vouch for its accuracy, and it is sure to whet the appetite of anyone with an interest in order history or fortifications. A highly recommended and beautiful book.

I’ve long been a fan of MacDonald Fraser’s ‘Steel Bonnets’ so I was interested to see what Alistair Moffat’s book would add.

The hardback is just over 320 pages, grouped into two main parts, four chapters in the first, and three in the second. Add to this five appendices, the bibliography and a concise and easy to use index, there’s a lot here to immerse yourself in. And in the centre of the book you have the illustrations, thirty-two superb colour photographs of the landscapes of the Borders that do so much to evoke the mood of the era. They compliment the text admirably.

As you cruise through the book you often have additional box inserts that take the reader off into interesting sidelines of yet more fascinating information. There are just to many to mention, and all add to the flavour that the author provides the reader, with his view of the troubled times of the sixteenth century.

I have to say that from start to finish, I couldn’t put this book down. It adds to MacDonald Fraser’s work and is a ‘must-have’ for anyone interested in the hardy doughty folk of the Border, their lawless ways and customs, the feuds and the politics that shaped their life. An inspiring read.

Also available: The Reivers and the Making of the Borders DVD

The definitive guide to the lives and times of the Border Reivers.  If you only read one book on the Border Reivers this is the one to go for. Well written and accessible it is the perfect introduction and companion to the History of the region.
This is a traditional solid history book from the man who brought us Octopusssy and more importantly Red Sonja. All aspects of border life are covered and discussed from domestic life to the role of people and politics. This book may not be as easy to read as his Historic novels set in the Borders but it will give life and depth and act as a companion to his novels.

This book is highly entertaining. George MacDonald Fraser successfully relates the life and times of the Border Reivers in a way which had me laughing one minute and horrified the next. One could make a comparison between the Borders of Scotland and England and the American Wild West or indeed the Sicilian Mafia. Reading this book has really opened my eyes to a phenomenon of the past which is still present at many frontiers all around the world.

The author vividly describes these very violent times in a way which leaves the reader wanting more. Before or after reading the book you are strongly advised to visit the Borders and savour the atmosphere . I suggest you chose a time when the weather is not too kind and the book will ‘come to life’. I think that a TV Company could make a riveting documentary based on The Steel Bonnets.

This book is highly entertaining. George MacDonald Fraser successfully relates the life and times of the Border Reivers in a way which had me laughing one minute and horrified the next. One could make a comparison between the Borders of Scotland and England and the American Wild West or indeed the Sicilian Mafia. Reading this book has really opened my eyes to a phenomenon of the past which is still present at many frontiers all around the world.

This is the definative guide to the history and times of the border reivers. Click to purchase from Amazon The Steel Bonnets: Story of the Anglo-Scottish Border Reivers

About the Author
The author of the famous ‘Flashman Papers’ and the ‘Private McAuslan’ stories, George MacDonald Fraser has worked on newspapers in Britain and Canada. In addition to his novels he has also written numeous films, most notably ‘The Three Musketeers’, ‘The Four Musketeers’, and the James Bond film, ‘Octopussy’. George Macdonald Fraser died in January 2008 at the age of 82.