The Reidswire Fight of 1575
The Reidswire Fight of 1575 was one of the last significant border skirmishes between the Scots and English, marking a critical juncture in the centuries-old struggle for dominance along the Anglo-Scottish frontier. Though it began as a peaceful day of truce, the event quickly spiraled into violence, becoming emblematic of the volatile nature of border life. This battle is not just a historical footnote but a testament to the fierce independence and complex relationships of the Border Clans.
Border Life in the 16th Century: A Prelude to Conflict
Before diving into the details of the Reidswire Fight, it’s essential to understand the context of life on the Anglo-Scottish border in the 16th century. The borderlands, stretching from the Cheviot Hills in the east to the Solway Firth in the west, were a unique region where English and Scottish cultures collided. The area was inhabited by hardy, independent clans, such as the Armstrongs, Kers, and Elliots on the Scottish side, and the Fenwicks and Forsters on the English side.
Life in these borderlands was fraught with tension, as the area was characterized by constant raids, cattle theft, and inter-clan rivalries. The “Border Reivers,” as these raiders were known, frequently crossed the border to plunder the lands of their neighbors. Yet, despite this lawlessness, the border was not a place of perpetual chaos. Regular “Days of Truce” were held, where officials from both sides would meet to settle disputes and exchange prisoners. These meetings were often accompanied by a sense of camaraderie, with both sides gathering to trade, drink, and socialize.
It was during one such Day of Truce, held at the Reidswire in July 1575, that what was intended to be a peaceful negotiation escalated into one of the last armed clashes between the two nations before the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
The Reidswire Meeting: A Day of Truce Gone Wrong
The Reidswire meeting took place in the Cheviot Hills, at a location that straddled the border between Scotland and England. Sir John Forster, the English Warden of the Middle March, led the English contingent, while Sir John Carmichael, the Scottish Warden of Liddesdale, represented the Scots. These truce meetings were meant to be orderly, but tensions always simmered beneath the surface. The Border Clans, while adhering to certain codes of honor, were quick to resort to violence when provoked.
On that fateful day in 1575, things started as expected, with both sides gathering in good spirits. Temporary booths were set up to sell food and drink, and what had started as a formal diplomatic event took on the air of a festive occasion. However, trouble soon brewed when a seemingly minor disagreement over the payment of fines for previous raids escalated. It is said that the Scots demanded the return of stolen property, but Forster and his men were either slow to respond or refused outright. Whether out of frustration or an attempt to assert authority, Sir John Forster allegedly insulted Carmichael, who was a man of considerable pride.
This exchange of insults quickly escalated into physical conflict. The English, led by Forster, fired a volley of arrows at the Scots, breaking the delicate peace. The Scots, not ones to retreat without a fight, responded with a fierce counterattack.
The Battle: Bloodshed in the Cheviots
The skirmish quickly became a full-fledged battle, with both sides drawing swords, spears, and bows. Although the English initially outnumbered the Scots, the Scottish Borderers proved to be more skilled in close combat. Sir John Carmichael rallied his men, including the fierce Scotts of Buccleuch, the Armstrongs, and the Elliots, who descended upon the English with impressive force.
A contemporary ballad, “The Raid of the Reidswire,” describes the fury of the Scottish counterattack:
"Wi' Cranstane, Gladstane, good at need,
Bauldly set to wark,"
The Scots were bolstered by their strong familial ties and the fierce loyalty of the Border Clans. Sir John Forster and his English soldiers, though experienced, were caught off guard by the ferocity of the Scottish response. The fighting raged across the Reidswire, with both sides suffering casualties, but it soon became clear that the Scots had the upper hand.
One key to the Scottish victory was the arrival of reinforcements. According to legend, Walter Scott of Buccleuch, also known as "Wat of Harden," led a contingent of reinforcements that turned the tide decisively in favor of the Scots. Though the English had more men at the start, the Scottish Borderers’ skill in battle and the timely arrival of reinforcements overwhelmed them. Sir John Heron, one of the English commanders, was slain, and Sir John Forster himself was captured, along with several other English leaders.
The ballad recounts the eventual flight of the English:
"They took the flight and cried, 'Alas!
We are undone, both mare and man!
Let’s gather up our strength and flee,
To gain our lives as best we can!'"
Though the battle was relatively small in scale compared to other conflicts between England and Scotland, its significance lay in the symbolic victory it represented for the Scots.
Aftermath and Political Ramifications
The Reidswire Fight had far-reaching consequences, both for the Border Clans and for Anglo-Scottish relations. Despite the Scottish victory, both the English and Scottish governments were quick to downplay the incident. Queen Elizabeth I of England, upon hearing of her forces’ defeat, was furious but pragmatic. She recognized that the blame did not lie entirely with the Scots, as her own warden, Sir John Forster, had been a major instigator of the violence. Similarly, the Scottish Regent, the Earl of Morton, was anxious to prevent further escalation and thus ordered Sir John Carmichael to be sent to England as a gesture of goodwill. However, Carmichael was treated honorably and even received a gift from Queen Elizabeth before being released.
In the aftermath of the fight, both sides took steps to restore peace along the border. Truce meetings continued, but with stricter enforcement and greater oversight to prevent future skirmishes from breaking out. The fight at Reidswire also highlighted the precarious nature of border life, where alliances were fragile, and even small disputes could spiral into violence.
For the Border Clans, the Reidswire Fight was another chapter in their long history of defiance against English authority. The battle reinforced the clans’ reputation as fierce warriors who would not hesitate to defend their honor, even against superior numbers.
The Legacy of the Reidswire Fight
The Reidswire Fight marked one of the last significant clashes between the Scots and English before the Union of the Crowns in 1603. With James VI of Scotland ascending to the English throne as James I, the long-standing hostilities between the two nations began to subside. The Border Clans, who had long thrived in the lawlessness of the frontier, faced new challenges as the governments of England and Scotland sought to impose greater order on the region.
Nevertheless, the Reidswire Fight remains a vivid reminder of the volatile nature of life on the border and the indomitable spirit of the Border Clans. For the Scots, it was a small but meaningful victory that underscored their fierce independence and resilience in the face of adversity. The ballad of the fight continues to be sung, a testament to the lasting memory of this pivotal moment in border history.
Adapted From: Dixon, B. H. (1889). The border or riding clans followed by a history of the clan Dickson and a brief account of the family of the author. J. Munsell's Sons.
