Border Reivers

Reivers End

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Once the Crowns of England and Scotland were united in 1603, James VI and I made a determined effort to stop the activities of the Reivers. Many were banished to Ireland, many were hanged, and others were forced to join the Army and serve in the Low Countries. The lack of a Border reduced the chances of the remaining troublemakers of escaping the law. Reiving activities died out slowly, with incidents occurring well into the 17th Century, carried out by Mosstroopers.

The Border Reivers can be found in the official State Papers, e.g. the Calendar of Border Papers. They also exist in the Border Ballads, many of which were collected by Sir Walter Scott. The Borders area still has many people descended from the Reiver Surnames, who have a rich oral tradition of tales of their ancestors.