'The Border Reivers Trail (in Cumbria)'
From the 14th to the 17th Century, the western end of the border between Scotland
and England was a turbulent and lawless place. In these 'Debatable Lands' to the north
of Carlisle, the line of the border was not clearly defined. Many lives were lost as
local families, like the Armstrongs, Elliots and Grahams, fought to uphold their honour
and to expand their property and possessions in this remote land.
The border 'Reivers' (an old name for robber or bandit) carried out raids in which
their victims lost their cattle, and sometimes their lives. Carlisle was frequently attacked.
Many of the places listed below contain a pele tower.
These were small stone buildings with walls from 3 to 10 feet thick, square or oblong
in shape, which were designed to withstand short sieges.
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In Tullie House Museum is an audio-visual presentation of the story of the Reivers,
and the museum shop stocks much material on this subject.
A leaflet has been published 'In search of the Border Reivers', listing many sites in Cumbria,
Dumfries and Galloway, and Northumbria, that are of historical importance, and which are
accessible to visitors. Below are listed those in Cumbria.
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Border Reivers Trail around Cumbria |
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Page last changed 5 Aug 2007.
