Reivers - Kinmont Willie Armstrong
Capture and Rescue of Scottish Reiver of the 16th Century
Feb 16, 2009
William Armstrong of Kinmont was well prized by the English who had no answer to his constant raids into northern England. His organised forays south of the English\Scottish Borderline, his contempt for English authority and its hapless attempts to curtail his reiving, made him enemy number one to the Lord Scropes, members of the English aristocracy and English West March Wardens.
The 'Day of Truce' at the Dayholme of Kershope
In March 1596 a 'Day of Truce' was held near Kershopefoot on the Borders of England and Scotland. All who attended were granted safe conduct whilst the Truce lasted. This measure was necessary as both Scots and English, at other times at feud or deadly enemies of each other, gathered to see that fair play was maintained in the trials of Border Reiverswho had to answer for crimes against the Border Law.
Theft of cattle and sheep and 'insight' or household and farming goods were the most common reasons for trial but murder, the result of constant feud and searing animosity against neighbour or enemy across the Border Line was ever present, the inevitable outcome of the hatred that hardened in men's hearts. The feuding often lasted over many a generation.
Kinmont Willie is present at the Truce DayKinmont Willie was called by his March Warden, Walter Scott of Branxholme and Buccleuch, the Keeper of Liddesdale, to attend the 'Day of Truce'. The trials of the Border Reivers on the day went without incident and both Deputy Wardens were satisfied that justice had been done.When the proceedings were over both English and Scottish parties began to make their way home. The safe conduct of the Truce usually lasted until the following dawn so that all who had attended would be able to make their way there in peace, confident that no enemy would attack during the evening and night-time hours.
Kinmont Willie is captured by the English
As Kinmont Willie rode down the Scottish bank of the river Liddel he was seen by a party of English making their way home on the opposite side of the river, down the English bank. The English could not resist their initial impulse that for once they had the great Scottish Reiver within their grasp. Safe Conduct for all conveniently forgotten, they rode hard across the river and rode down Kinmont. He was bound and taken to Carlisle castle where he was imprisoned.
The War of Words leads to Stalemate
When Buccleuch the Scottish Warden learned that Kinmont Willie was in prison and taken against the honour of the Truce, he was infuriated. He took no time in writing to the English West March Warden, Thomas Lord Scrope demanding Kinmont's release. Scrope, coveted the highly-prized Reiver at any cost and answered Buccleuch's fury with a measured indifference and cited more than one reason why he would not comply. Even James V1 of Scotland and Elizabeth 1 of England became embroiled in the acrimonious affair.
In 16th century Britain news travelled slow and so did the petitions of Buccleuch earnestly demanding Kinmont's release. Eventually tiring of the whole impasse, Buccleuch resolved to breach the defences of Carlisle castle and rescue Kinmont. He was heartened by the fact that he would have inside help from members of the English garrison who had tired of Thomas Lord Scrope's dictatorial rule.
A Small Rescue Party Achieves its Aims
On 13th April 1596 the rescue party led by Buccleuch and consisting mainly of Armstrongs moved south through English territory to Carlisle adeptly aided by members of the English Grahams who had no time for the honourable Lord Scrope. The Grahams were guilty of treason for guiding the Scots through English ground but it worried them not.
The rescue was accomplished with an ease that defied logic. A postern gate was opened from the inside and Buccleuch and the Armstrongs easily found Kinmont's cell (having previously been told exactly where to go). Only five of the rescue party entered the castle, the rest remained outside the walls banging on drums and making such a noise that the English garrison, already sheltering under coverlets from the veritable downpour that had lasted the whole of the night, refused to stir. They thought there was an army outside the walls.
The Aftermath
Elizabeth 1 was incandescent when she received the news of the rescue. How dare any Scot attack one of her premier Border fortresses when peace existed between the two countries. The wrangling between the two countries, various ambassadors and the two monarchs went on for over a year.
Kinmont Willie? He went on to reive for many another day and died in his bed in about 1603.
Sources.
The Calendar of Border Papers edited by Joseph Bain.
Border Ballads.
The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border by Sir Walter Scott.
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