Strongholds of the Border Reivers Fortifications of the Anglo-Scottish Border 1296–1603

by Durham, Keith; Turner, Graham

• ISBN13: 9781846031977
• ISBN10: 1846031974
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-03-18
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

In the year 1296, Edward I of England launched a series of vicious raids across the Anglo-Scottish Border in his attempt to annexe Scotland. The Scots retaliated and the two countries were plunged into 300 years of war in which the Borderland became the frontline and raiding, or "reiving," encouraged by both sides, became a way of life. Keith Durham examines the Border fortresses, ranging from small, well-defended castles to imposing tower houses, or "peles," and a variety of fortified farmhouses known as "bastles." He also investigates the many churches that were strengthened against attack and in times of trouble served as sanctuaries for their congregations.

Author Biography

Keith Durham is the author of Men-at-Arms 279: The Border Reivers. He is also a skilled and respected sculptor of historical miniatures and has produced master figures for a number of companies including Poste Militaire. He has had a lifelong interest in the Vikings and their ships. The author lives in Northumberland, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 4
Chronology	p. 8
Design and Development	p. 9
Norham Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle
Aydon Castle
Border Fortifications	p. 17
The pele
The tower house
The bastle
Stronghouses
Defensible churches
Principles of Defence	p. 39
Hermitage Castle, 'The Strength of Liddesdale'
Barmkins and beacons
Siege of Cessford Castle, 1523
Tour of a Tower House - Smailholm	p. 44
Everyday Life in the Tower House	p. 51
Border Strongholds at War	p. 52
The effects of raiding
The 'Rough Wooing', 1544-49
Assault on Wark Castle by the Duke of Albany, 1523
The Fate of the Castles, Tower Houses, Bastles and Defensible Churches	p. 59
Visiting the Sites Today	p. 60
Glossary	p. 62
Bibliography	p. 63
Index	p. 64
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