156 Reivers

There's really often little practical difference between what we call politics and some of what we call crime. Essentially it the history of the struggle for power by a bunch of aristocratic families. And a smidgen of life on the Borders. 

156 Reivers

 

The Borders

The history of the borders between the Scottish wars of independence and 1603, when the Scottish king also took the throne of England, is the story of a closed society that learned to cope with a life of constant danger and violence, and became warped as a result. 

Reiver Families

Steel Bonnet

The Reivers were specialist fighters; trained through experience, The Reivers Jack built for

speed and flexibility. The essential component was the Hobbilar, or Hobby – small light. hardy horse. Then the Jack, the leather jacket, and the Steel Bonnet. Favoured weapons were lance and bow . 

4 thoughts on “156 Reivers

  1. I wept for Joan. She’s a fanatic but a glorious one. Cheers to your daughter for her excellent reading!

  2. All said, it’s important not to forget t9he deep history of the borders, from the Danish holdings forward. The ancient baroness bequeathed traditions like thae saga, which became (or some say degenerated into) the minstrelsy; and baronial taxation, which very definitely degenerated into extortionate reiving. There are other aspects of early Northumberland persisting to this day among the descendants, influencing politics and culture across a number of continents. Thank you, You’re welcome.

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