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.

The one indisputable fact concerning the Border Reivers was their supreme ability in the art of theft and guerilla warfare. A lifestyle which required specialist equipment. The fully equipped Reiver represented an elite light cavalryman, capable of navigating rough terrain at night with practiced stealth, and when required implementing deadly force.

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 [...]