Although the border between England and Scotland was fixed by treaty in 1237, it proved difficult to defend or police. Warfare and raiding, by both sides, became commonplace for centuries. For the agriculturists of the lowlands and the pastoralists of the highland Cheviot Hills life was, at best, difficult and precarious. For centuries they had to contend with both English and Scottish armies, followed in the high Middle Ages by the Border reavers, the feared and lawless bands of cattle-rustlers who owed allegiance to nobody but themselves

Although the border between England and Scotland was fixed by treaty in 1237, it proved difficult to defend or police. Warfare and raiding, by both sides, became commonplace for centuries. For the agriculturists of the lowlands and the pastoralists of the highland Cheviot Hills life was, at best, difficult and precarious. For centuries they had to contend with both English and Scottish armies, followed in the high Middle Ages by the Border reavers, the feared and lawless bands of cattle-rustlers who owed allegiance to nobody but themselves