Reivers - The Maxwell - Johnstone Feud of 1593
Two Reiver Clans of Scottish West March Battle for Supremacy
Jul 11, 2009 Thomas William Moss
In the Scottish south-west Borderlands of the 16th century two families vied for supremacy, the Johnstones and the Maxwells. Their feud had festered for nigh on a century when the events of 1593 would bring it to a head. One of the bloodiest family battles in British history would ensue.
The Scottish West March Warlords
Sir James Johnstone of Dunskellie was the leader of the Johnstone clan whilst John, Lord Maxwell was chief of the Maxwells. He was Scottish West March Warden and thus responsible for the whole of the March. It was a position that often changed hands between the two warlords, often at the whim or dictate of the monarch. The frequent changes in the Wardenship was the root of the animosity that prevailed between the two clan-leaders.
A Johnstone Reive
Early in 1593, Willie Johnstone, known as the Galliard, stole a black horse from the stables of Lord Crichton. Crichton's men pursued him and rode him down. On the orders of Lord Crichton he was hanged on the spot. He was caught at the 'red hand' and summary justice for such offences was written into Border Law.
In revenge, the Johnstones of Wamphray, led by Willie Johnstone of Kirkhill, burned their way through Lord Crichton's land, stealing much insight (household goods) and killing fifteen of Lord Crichton's tenants in the process.
Crichton Petitions King James V1Lord Crichton demanded redress for the Johnstone atrocities both from John, Lord Maxwell, his March Warden and Sir James Johnstone of Dunskellie but to no avail. Maxwell, conscious of the effect of alienating his adversary even further, demanded time to think on the matter. Johnstone, reluctant to hand over any of his tribe, decided that he would try them himself once they were caught. He had his own court of justice under licence from the king. He would deal with the matter himself.
Crichton was incensed and rode to Edinburgh to petition King James.
King James Decides
James V1 decided that John, Lord Maxwell should demand that Johnstone give himself over to the Warden and be brought to Edinburgh to answer for the crimes of his clansmen but not before an unprecedented event helped him to overcome his propensity for delay and deliberation.
Crichton had brought with him to Edinburgh the widows and mothers of the fifteen men killed in the Johnstone raid on Crichton lands. They paraded up the Canongate and back to Holyrood wailing and waving the bloodied sarks (shirts) of their dead loved ones. Quite a gathering of the Edinburgh citizenry followed in sympathy of their plight.
In answer to the cries for justice at the gates of Holyrood, a herald rode out to the crowd baying for the blood of the Johnstones and read out the King's decision.
Johnstones and Maxwells Prepare for War
Sir James Johnstone refused to give himself up to Maxwell and the two clans prepared for war. The Johnstones mustered at Lockerbie and could count on three hundred of their following along with about another hundred from the clans of Scotts, Elliots, Irvines and Grahams.
The Maxwells had a turnout of two thousand men with aid from some hundred Armstrongs and Douglas's. They mustered at Lincluden Collegiate college church to the north of Dumfries.
The Battle of Dryfe Sands
The two armies met at Dryfe Sands, Lockerbie on a grey day in December 1593. As Maxwell observed the meagre numbers of Johnstones from across the river Annan his heart swelled at the ease with which they would be despatched. However, the Johnstones had chosen the ground right well. Most of their number, were concealed behind two small hills and the Maxwells had a river to cross.
A small party of the Johnstones rode down to the river bank and goaded the Maxwells with many an insult inviting them to rush the Water of Annan and engage. Eventually they did but with disastrous consequences.
The End of John, Lord Maxwell
The first contingent of Maxwells splashed across the water and ran into an ambush as the Johnstones appeared from behind the hills. They could not turn without running into their own men, a second phase to cross the Water of Annan following the first. The rest of Maxwell's army was detached, still crossing the river or on the opposite bank.
Maxwell was struck from his horse and instantly despatched. His head and one of his hands were cut off and hung from the walls of Lochwood Tower, vestiges of which remain today.
The superior numbers of the Maxwells were routed and either killed or put to flight in just two hours.
One of the Johnstones is of particular note. Robert Johnstone of Raecleuch was but eleven years old when he fought for his clan. He survived.
The remains of Lochwood Tower of the Johnstones
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Another view of Caerlaverock
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Caerlaverock, Maxwell Stronghold.
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