Border Tales

The Scabby Sheep

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The story centres on the Robsons of Tynedale who raided sheep from the Grahams of Liddesdale, a neighbouring area. They did not realise that the stolen flock had scab, a very infectious disease caused by mites. The infected sheep were mixed in with the Robsons’ healthy sheep.

Disaster struck as all the Robsons’ flocks became infected, making the meat inedible. Word got around and they became the laughing stock of the area. Vowing revenge, the Robsons rode again to Liddlesdale with many men. The Grahams were overwhelmed and seven of them were hanged.

The message from the Robsons was clear: ‘When the gentlemen come to call, make sure your sheep are not scabby.’

The tale takes two forms: The Scabby Sheep Story The story can be read in class. The Scabby Sheep Play The play can be performed by children or read in role.