Today, it is hard to imagine that the peaceful countryside to the north of Hadrian’s Wall was a lawless place beset by bloody battles between Romans and barbarians and violent feuds amongst warring families known as the Border Reivers. It became known as ‘the Debatable Lands’ and the remains of Roman outposts and Reivers’ fortified strongholds bear witness to these troubled times.
You can explore the site of Roman fortifications at Netherby and Bewcastle and imagine what life was like beyond the mighty Wall itself, away from the safety of Birdoswald Fort.
Up until the mid 17th century, reiving - raiding for cattle, sheep and whatever else could be transported - was the only way to survive. The life of the Reiver was not ruled by his allegiance to the Crown but by his allegiance to a family surname - whether it was Graham, Elliott, Bell or one of the other Reiver surnames that are still common today.
With the accession of James I, law and order returned and the Reivers reign gradually ended. Many of their descendants became pitmen in Northumberland and Durham. Some emigrated to America and Australia. The first man on the moon was an Armstrong, descended from the Reivers of that name.
Today, visitors receive a much warmer welcome! If you are a budding genealogist why not check out if you are descended from a Reiver family? Is your surname on our list of famous Border Reiver names?
The area is perfect for cyclists and walkers and you can stay in superb farm based accommodation with log fires and four-poster beds where scrumptious home reared meats, fresh fruit and vegetables and local specialities await.
For more information on ‘The Debatable Lands beyond the Wall’ pick up a leaflet or visit www.landsbeyondthewall.co.uk
