Keith Durham

A detailed examination of the Border fortresses involved in raids, or 'reives', on both sides of the Anglo-Scottish border in the 13th - 17th centuries. In the year 1296, Edward I of England launched a series of vicious raids across the Anglo-Scottish Border in his attempt to annexe Scotland. The Scots retaliated and the two countries were plunged into 300 years of war in which the Borderland became the frontline and raiding, or 'reiving,' encouraged by both sides, became a way of life. Keith Durham examines the Border fortresses, ranging from small, well-defended castles to imposing tower houses, or 'peles,' and a variety of fortified farmhouses known as 'bastles.' He also investigates the many churches that were strengthened against attack and in times of trouble served as sanctuaries for their congregations. Packed with full-colour photographs and detailed cut-away artwork, this is an ideal historical commentary for any tourist visiting the sites that are dotted across the whole of the Border region.

Fortifications of the Anglo-Scottish Border 1296–1603

Strongholds of the Border Reivers

Mark Harrison

René Chartrand

Ian Heath

The history of the Vikings is bloody and eventful, and Viking warriors capture the popular imagination to this day. They made history, establishing the dukedom of Normandy, providing the Byzantine Emperors' bodyguard and landing on the shores of America 500 years before Columbus. Beautifully illustrated with colour photographs and original Osprey artwork, this book presents a new window into their way of life including detailed studies of the Hersir, the raiding warrior of the Viking world, and the legendary Viking longship.

The Vikings

Stretching from the North Sea to the Solway Firth, the Border region has a sharply diverse landscape and was a battleground for over 300 years as the English and Scottish monarchs encouraged their subjects to conduct raids across their respective borders. This Warrior title will detail how this narrow strip of land influenced the Borderer's way of life in times of war. Covering every aspect of militant life, from the choice of weapons and armor to the building of fortified houses, this book gives the readers a chance to understand what it must have been like to live life in a late-medieval war zone.

Border Reiver 1513–1603

In the year 1296, Edward I of England launched a series of vicious raids across the Anglo-Scottish Border in his attempt to annexe Scotland. The Scots retaliated and the two countries were plunged into 300 years of war in which the Borderland became the frontline and raiding, or "reiving," encouraged by both sides, became a way of life. Keith Durham examines the Border fortresses, ranging from small, well-defended castles to imposing tower houses, or "peles," and a variety of fortified farmhouses known as "bastles." He also investigates the many churches that were strengthened against attack and in times of trouble served as sanctuaries for their congregations.

Bursting with full color illustrations, this is a handy, complete guide to the Vikings, from the lives they led at home to their voyages of plunder across Europe and into America.

Keith Durham

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