The Hoosier Historian Issue 1: Scotland | Page 19

Maintaining law and order in the border country . was exceedingly difficult at best For this purpose the monarchs of both countries created a position known . as the Wardens of the Marches The border lands were , divided up into sections called the East , Middle and West Marches and each march had a member of the . nobility as its warden , March law , disapproval of Edward I , wording much to the , owes many of its customs . and procedures to Scotland March law implemented ancient practices of trial by battle and . payments of retribution One law of note that specifically effected border reivers and their victims , was the allowance of one day , from the time of theft . to cross the border and reclaim stolen goods Fugitives seeking asylum was also a common . practice among the Marches of Scotland and England If a fugitive from either side of the border crossed to the neighboring country ,“ There he may remain Musgrave Coat of Arms, Penrith, England secure once he has acknowledged his offence and .” surrendered his weapons Border reiving clans and . families often gave these fugitives refuge for a price This practice played a large role in allowing Elizabeth I to invade Scotland in search of English fugitives from the Northern Rebellion of 1569. The border country was greatly ravaged during this time as it had a concentration of Marion supporters who desired to reinstate Mary Stewart Queen of Scots to . the throne Though few actual English fugitives were , captured during these invasions the Marion supporters were greatly diminished in number before ’ Elizabeth s fear of French intervention on behalf of . Scotland ended the incursions The Northern , “’ Rebellion had allowed Elizabeth I to be revenged and thereby strengthen her own west borders and ,’” weaken the Scottish It also showed that the English could do as they wished in regards to their . Scottish neighbors to the north Burial place of the Musgrave Family, St. Cuthbert's Church, Edenhall, England 19