2-649-593 - Historic England/Heritage Images

Reivers raiding Birdoswald, 16th century, (c1990-2010). Reconstruction drawing of reivers raiding Banna, now known as Birdoswald Roman Fort, at the western end of Hadrian's Wall, in the Roman province of Britannia. The fort was occupied by Roman auxiliaries from approximately AD 112 to AD 400. Border reivers were raiders along the Anglo-Scottish border from the late 13th century to the beginning of the 17th century. Scotland and England were frequently at war during the late Middle Ages. The uncertainty of existence meant that communities or people kindred to each other would seek security through their own strength and cunning.