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The Borders saw centuries of complex and deadly feuding, sometimes between English and Scots, sometimes between neighbouring families, and sometimes between factions within the same family. The wardens had to deal with frequent ‘bills’ – or complaints – so ‘truce days’ were held every 40 days or so to resolve differences. It was often the case that someone might be hanged before their trial took place, and if rope was scarce, drowning would suffice! Imprisonment was rarely an option due to lack of facilities, though a prison was eventually built at Hexham. Gammel’s Path, high in the Cheviot Hills, was one of the remote locations where ‘truce days’ were held.

The 16th century saw the peak period of reiving activity, when even the wardens were involved in the business of robbery and revenge. ‘Moss troopers’, as the reivers were sometimes known, rode stocky ponies for speed over rugged terrain, and wore rudimentary armour consisting of a steel helmet and leather jacket. For weapons they carried a lance and a sword, later supplemented with a pistol or two. After centuries of law-breaking, hunting and being hunted, it was a way of life that people were born into.