Burning the Water: A History of the Border Reivers

The Border Reivers were a group of outlaws who lived on the border between England and Scotland. They were known for their violent raids, which often involved burning and looting. The Reivers were a constant source of terror for the people who lived in the border region, and their activities contributed to the long-standing animosity between England and Scotland.

Burning the Water (Border Reivers Book 2)

by Robert Low

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	334 pages

FREE

The origins of the Border Reivers can be traced back to the 13th century, when the border between England and Scotland was a fluid and contested area. The Reivers were often the descendants of families who had been displaced by war or famine, and they eked out a living by raiding the farms and villages of their neighbors.

The Reivers were organized into clans, each of which was led by a chief. The clans were often at war with each other, and they also fought against the English and Scottish governments. The Reivers were skilled horsemen and archers, and they were known for their ruthlessness and brutality.

The Reivers' raids were often extremely destructive. They would burn houses, steal cattle, and kidnap people for ransom. The Reivers also had a reputation for cruelty, and they often killed their victims without mercy.

The English and Scottish governments tried to suppress the Border Reivers, but they were largely unsuccessful. The Reivers were too well-organized and too mobile to be easily caught, and they had the support of the local population.

In the 17th century, the power of the Border Reivers began to decline. The English and Scottish governments finally managed to establish control over the border region, and the Reivers were no longer able to operate with impunity. The Reivers were also weakened by the of new weapons and tactics, such as firearms and cavalry.

By the end of the 17th century, the Border Reivers had been largely suppressed. However, their legacy lived on. The Reivers were a symbol of the lawlessness and violence that had characterized the border region for centuries. They were also a reminder of the long-standing animosity between England and Scotland.

The Origins of the Border Reivers

The Border Reivers were the descendants of families who had been displaced by war or famine. They lived in a lawless region where there was little central authority. The Reivers were often forced to steal or raid in order to survive.

The border region between England and Scotland was a fluid and contested area. The border was constantly shifting, and there was no clear demarcation between the two countries. This made it difficult for the English and Scottish governments to control the region.

The Reivers took advantage of the lawlessness of the border region. They were able to raid across the border with impunity, and they were often able to escape justice. The Reivers were also able to form alliances with powerful families on both sides of the border. This gave them protection from the authorities.

The Reivers' Raids

The Reivers' raids were often extremely destructive. They would burn houses, steal cattle, and kidnap people for ransom. The Reivers also had a reputation for cruelty, and they often killed their victims without mercy.

The Reivers' raids were often carried out in retaliation for a perceived wrong. For example, if a farmer stole a cow from a Reiver, the Reiver might raid the farmer's village and burn his house down. The Reivers also raided for profit. They would often sell the stolen goods they acquired on their raids.

The Reivers' raids had a devastating impact on the border region. The people who lived in the region were constantly in fear of attack. The Reivers' raids also disrupted trade and commerce.

The Suppression of the Border Reivers

The English and Scottish governments tried to suppress the Border Reivers, but they were largely unsuccessful. The Reivers were too well-organized and too mobile to be easily caught. They also had the support of the local population.

In the 17th century, the power of the Border Reivers began to decline. The English and Scottish governments finally managed to establish control over the border region, and the Reivers were no longer able to operate with impunity. The Reivers were also weakened by the of new weapons and tactics, such as firearms and cavalry.

By the end of the 17th century, the Border Reivers had been largely suppressed. However, their legacy lived on. The Reivers were a symbol of the lawlessness and violence that had characterized the border region for centuries. They were also a reminder of the long-standing animosity between England and Scotland.

The Legacy of the Border Reivers

The Border Reivers were a unique group of outlaws. They were a product of the lawless and violent border region between England and Scotland. The Reivers were feared and hated by the people who lived in the border region, but they were also admired for their courage and their skill in battle.

The Border Reivers have left a lasting legacy. They are still remembered in songs and stories, and their exploits continue to fascinate people today. The Reivers are a reminder of the lawlessness and violence that once characterized the border region between England and Scotland. They are also a reminder of the long-standing animosity between the two countries.

Burning the Water (Border Reivers Book 2)

by Robert Low

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	334 pages

FREE