Borderlands
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