George MacDonald Fraser
THE STEEL BONNETS
The Story of the Anglo-Scottish Border Reivers
“If Jesus Christ were emongest
them, they would deceave him, if he woulde heere, trust and followe theire wicked councells!”
RICHARD FENWICK 1597
HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9GF
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Previously published in trade paperback by Harvill 1989
Reprinted five times
First published by Harvill 1986
First published in Great Britain by Barrie &Jenkins 1971
Copyright © George MacDonald Fraser 1971
The Author asserts the moral right to
be identified as the author of this work
A catalogue record for this book is
available from the British Library
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In memory of
Corporal IKE BLAKELEY of the Border Regiment, killed by a Japanese sniper at Kinde Wood, Central Burma, 1945, and for BOB GRAHAM and SLIM IRVINE wounded in the same action.
The Border Clans
CONTENTS
Introduction: The Border Reivers
Part One: THE MAKING OF A FRONTIER
III: England v. Scotland, 1286–1500
Part Two: PEOPLE OF THE MARCHES
Part Three: “SHAKE LOOSE THE BORDER”
XIII: Nothing too hot or too heavy
XIV: A parcel of rogues (William Armstrong of Kinmont, Walter Scott of Harden, Geordie Burn)
XVIII: The Wardens of the Marches
XXII: Terror, blackmail, kidnapping and “decaie”
XXIII: “Fyre and sword upon Tuesday next”
Part Four: THE LONG GOOD-NIGHT, 1503–1603