Auld Wat o' Harden: The Life of a Border Reiver
In the tumultuous history of the Scottish Borders, few characters stand out as prominently as Walter Scott of Harden, affectionately known as “Auld Wat.” His life, a colorful tapestry of daring raids, romantic escapades, and clan feuds, paints a vivid picture of the life of a Border Reiver during the turbulent 16th century.
The Early Years
Born into the influential Scott family, Walter Scott of Harden (referred to as “Auld Wat”) was a prominent figure in the Scottish Borders during the late 1500s. His family, like many border clans, was involved in the constant skirmishes and cattle raids that characterized the Anglo-Scottish Borders.
The Reiver’s Life
Auld Wat’s life epitomized the reiver’s existence. Border Reivers were raiders along the Anglo-Scottish border from the late 13th century to the beginning of the 17th century. Their activities, often illegal, included cattle rustling, kidnapping, and extortion, and they were known for their unrivaled equestrian skills and knowledge of the border geography.
The Laird of Harden
Walter Scott of Harden rose to become the laird of Harden, inheriting the title from his father. Harden’s castle, situated near Hawick in the Scottish Borders, was the epicenter of his operations. The castle, perched on the brink of a steep glen, was an ideal base for the reiving activities that Auld Wat and his followers frequently undertook.
The Flower of Yarrow
A pivotal moment in Auld Wat’s life was his marriage to Mary Scott, known as the “Flower of Yarrow.” This union was as strategic as it was romantic, merging two powerful border families. The Flower of Yarrow, renowned for her beauty, was also known for her resourcefulness, famously pickling the beef stolen by her husband from English raids.
The Reiver’s Code
The life of a border reiver was governed by a unique code of conduct that straddled the line between law and lawlessness. Auld Wat, a respected leader, was known for his adherence to this code. Loyalty to family and kin, bravery, and a readiness to defend one's honor were the pillars that supported their way of life.
Feuds and Skirmishes
Auld Wat's life was marked by constant feuds with neighboring clans and English forces. One notable feud was with the Scotts of Gilmanscleugh. After the killing of one of his sons in a fray, Auld Wat, demonstrating a mix of shrewdness and ruthlessness, secured the lands of Gilmanscleugh as compensation, expanding his territory.
The Raid on Carlisle
One of Auld Wat’s most legendary exploits was the daring rescue of Kinmont Willie, a fellow reiver captured by the English. The raid on Carlisle Castle in 1596, where Kinmont Willie was imprisoned, was a masterstroke of planning and audacity, cementing Auld Wat’s reputation as a fearless leader.
The Legend of Muckle-Mouthed Meg
Another famous story in Auld Wat’s life is his son’s forced marriage to Muckle-Mouthed Meg, the daughter of the laird of Elibank. This tale, blending humor and family politics, tells of how his son, William, was captured and given the choice between marrying Meg or facing the gallows. He chose marriage, a decision that later proved fortuitous as the union was reportedly a happy one.
The Later Years
As with many reivers, Auld Wat’s later years were marked by a gradual shift from reiving to a more settled life. The Union of the Crowns in 1603 saw a concerted effort by both the English and Scottish governments to quell the lawlessness of the Borders. Many reivers, including Auld Wat, found their way of life increasingly unsustainable.
Legacy and Memory
Walter Scott of Harden left a lasting legacy, not only in the annals of the Scottish Borders but also in the lineage of notable descendants, including the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. Auld Wat's life and exploits have been immortalized in ballads and stories, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
In conclusion, Auld Wat o' Harden epitomizes the spirit of the Border Reivers - a life led on the edges of society, governed by a unique code, and marked by daring and resilience. His story is a fascinating glimpse into a tumultuous period in Scottish history, providing insight into the lives of those who lived on the frontier of two warring nations. Auld Wat remains a symbol of the rugged, untamed spirit of the Scottish Borders, his legacy enduring in the tales and legends that continue to be told.
Adapted from: Lee, H. (1919). History of the Scott Family. R. L. Polk and Company, Inc.
