Thomas William Moss
What is a trained, highly qualified and experienced textile technologist doing writing articles about Irish\UK history? Surely technology and history are ill bedfellows which find no comfort in the relationship?
So it might seem on the surface but I make no excuse for my love of history even though it might be at odds with a successful career which deliberates over the physical properties of yarn and cloth and machine.
I have loved history, especially British history for as long as I can remember, and the Scottish\English Borders are a passion. Machines might provide me with a living but it is history which enriches my life. It has always been so.
I have spent many years now walking the Border Line between the two countries of England and Scotland and the lands which abound it.
The conflict and confrontation that existed between the two countries for centuries holds a special interest, a fascination which is now part of my very soul.
I earnestly desire that my contribution to Suite 101 will promote a wider interest in those turbulent times which existed for many generations between the two countries and which would not be resolved until the Union of the two Crowns in 1603.
I have a special interest in the Border reivers, the clans who, ignoring any dictate from authority or monarchy, held sway in the Border lands for hundreds of years and often did their utmost to wipe each other from the face of the earth. Their history is compelling reading and figures highly in the story of the two nations of England and Scotland.
I currently manage a successful textile firm in the beautiful Border country.
Weekends I can be found tramping reiver country on both sides of the Border Line. To come upon yet one more ruinous and desolate fortified site, be it pele tower or bastle house,or to stand and contemplate a place where once great armies stood in confrontation never ceases to stir the blood or excite the spirit.
The Borders are quiet and serene now.
They have not always been so!
Latest Articles
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Reivers - The Irvings of Bonshaw
The Irvings of Bonshaw were allies with the Johnstones of Annandale in the Reiving Times of the 16th century. Their feud with the Maxwells was both bitter and prolonged.
Aug 2, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - Canonbie in the Debateable Land
The Debateable Land was a region of contention between England and Scotland in the Reiver times. Often both disowned it but Canonbie was at its heart and hotly contested
Aug 2, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - The Border Lands are Pacified
In March 1603 Elizabeth 1 of England died without issue.The Crown of England was bestowed on the King of Scots, James V1. He set about subjugating the unruly Border Clans
Jul 26, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - The Great Raid of Tynedale
The Great Raid of Tynedale was carried out by a thousand men from the Border valleys of Southern Scotland. Its aim, it can be argued, to thwart the Union of the Crowns.
Jul 24, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - Monition of Cursing of Gavin Dunbar
Lawlessness was endemic in the Border Lands in the Reiving times. The Church threatened hell and damnation unless the Reiving Clans were to mend their ways.
Jul 23, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - Book-a-Bosom Priest
The English\Scottish Border lands were often laid waste in the Reiving Times. The Church, reliant for its welfare on the produce of its parishioners, suffered greatly.
Jul 21, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - Walter Scott of Harden
'Auld' Wat of Harden was, without doubt, a memorable scottish reiver of the 16th century. His raids into England were formidable, yet his sense of humour was renowned.
Jul 19, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - A Beautiful Redesdale Village
Elsdon Pele is a magnificent example of the fortified towers built on each side of the English Scottish Border as both defence and sanctuary against the Border Reivers.
Jul 17, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - Parcy Reed of Troughend
The Halls and the Reeds were the clans that vied for control in Redesdale, Northumberland in the reiving times. Outwardly allies, treachery would lead to lasting feud.
Jul 12, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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Reivers - The Maxwell - Johnstone Feud of 1593
Throughout the centuries that the Reivers held sway in the English Scottish Border lands many of the families were at feud. None more so than the Johnstones and Maxwells
Jul 11, 2009
- Thomas William Moss
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