History of the Border. A few extracts from the book compiled by Richard Bell, warden clerk of the West Marches, at the start of the 17th century.
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Richard Bell\u2019s History of the Border has several pages dated 1586 and 1587, which list claims by people against others for damaged property and stolen livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given \u2018they were all at it,\u2019 and that a raid by one name would lead to retaliation by the victims, it\u2019s a wonder the poor animals weren\u2019t dizzy from being driven one way then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given that, it also makes the whole situation seem at best futile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Armstrongs raid the Elliots and steal their cattle. The Elliots retaliate and steal the Armstrongs\u2019 cattle \u2013 their own back, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And on a truce day, both parties would put their case to the court, and perhaps end up with what they started with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But even then, they\u2019d both we worse off, because of the cost incurred of lives and burned villages. And the continual fear and uncertainty meant it was never worth building a \u2018nice house,\u2019 (unless you could afford to build a fortified stone property), and there was never any guarantee crops were worth planting\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The damage claims do seem to be somewhat exaggerated! Perhaps this was just in the hope of getting back what you\u2019d really lost: like inflating an insurance claim because you know the assessors will try to pay a lot less than whatever you ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In one entry, James Maxwell, of P- , Lord of C-hill, and others, complained against Walter Graham, Davie Graham, Walter\u2019s brother Will, Robb of the Fold, and Richie\u2019s Will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was alleged they had burned land, and stolen 1,000 cows and oxen, 500 sheep, 200 horses and mares\u2026 the claim is for \u00a33,000 Scots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the next page, the \u2018friends of Adam of Carlisle\u2019 have claims against Walter Graham of Netherbie, his brothers David and Willie, Richie\u2019s Will, and Rob of the Fold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n