For centuries, the Borders was in
constant turmoil as the unsettled boundary between Scotland and England
was fought over. It was a conflict not only of national interests, but
also of perpetual personal and family jealousies.
The period brought its own language:
Reiver:
Raider, robber, marauder, plunderer.
Blackmail:
Literally "black rent" – illegal rent paid (in addition to
normal rent to a landlord) to a reiver to buy his protection from raids.
Feud:
When a man was killed, his family took up the quarrel, not only with the
slayer, but with his whole surname, leading to generations of feuding.
Jeddart Justice:
Hang first and try later, i.e. summary execution.
Peel Tower:
A fortified dwelling or tower house, often protected by a palisade.
(Latin pilum from which the word is derived).
The pattern of raid and counter-raid was punctuated by
occasional full scale expeditions and pitch battles.
