Reivers Story
Welcome to The Debatable Lands Beyond the Wall
It is hard to imagine that the peaceful countryside to the north of Hadrian’s Wall and historic Carlisle was a lawless place beset by bloody battles and violent feuds amongst warring families known as the Border Reivers only 500 years ago. In fact it has gone down in history as one of the most lawless places in Britain.
The ownership of this region, lying between England and Scotland, was in constant dispute. Consequently, it was known as ‘the Debatable Lands’ and was controlled by local clans who resisted all attempts by the English and Scottish governments to impose their authority.
For over three hundred years, reiving – raiding for cattle, sheep and whatever else could be transported – was the only way to survive. The life of the Reiver was not ruled by his allegiance to the crown but by his allegiance to a family surname – whether it was Graham, Elliot, Bell or one of the other Reiver surnames. These murderous clans paid allegiance to nobody but themselves and their families.
It was not until 1603 and the accession of James I, law and order returned and the Reivers’ reign gradually ended. Many of their descendants became pitmen in Northumberland and Durham. Some emigrated to Australia and America.
Today, the remains of Reivers’ fortified strongholds bear witness to these troubled times and visitors can explore the legacy in the region’s architecture and culture. Visitors can also explore the history of this fascinating region on the Reivers Cycle Trail. The trail, for cyclists, walkers and horse riders, covers almost 100 miles of unspoilt countryside and takes in castles and Pele towers in locations that have become part of the rich Reiver legend. For more details see www.borderreiverstrail.co.uk and www.reivers-guide.co.uk.
The Reivers’ legacy also remains in the family surnames still common today – the Armstrongs, Douglases, Grahams, Kerrs and Maxwells to mention a few. Some rather famous names also bear the history of these treacherous times. The first man on the moon – Neil Armstrong, and the former American President, Richard Nixon, are believed to be descendants from the Reivers of that name. Click here to see if yours is amongst the list of famous Reiver surnames.
You can venture deeper into the Debatable Lands during a visit to the small village of Bewcastle, situated on the remote fells beyond Brampton in North Cumbria. This area is surrounded by some of the most windswept country side in England and was the scene of many a battle during the Reivers’ reign.
The area of Hadrian’s Wall Country over which the Reivers and Romans once roamed is a superb contrast of wild fells and gentle farmland, fantastic attractions and places to see.
Click here for more information on The Debatable Lands Beyond the Wall and nearby attractions.
