Bonshaw Tower stands high above the Kirtle Water in the modern day village of Kirtlebridge in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It has stood in this prominent position since about 1545 though an earlier tower is known of in the vicinity. The obvious strength and dimensions of the tower bear witness to a time, long gone, when men lived in constant fear of attack.
The Irvings had lived in the lands of the Kirtle Water since about 1020.
The Irvings. True to the Aim of Scottish Independence
The Irvings were great friends and allies of Robert the Bruce and had helped him in his quest for Scottish Independence from the English. The Bruce had sought refuge in the lands of Bonshaw on at least two occasions. They were to be rightly and justly rewarded for their unwavering allegiance to the King of Scots. William de Irwyn was to become armor-bearer to the King and eventually his secretary.
The Irvings. A Reiving Clan of the 16th Century
By the 16th century Border Reiving had reached such a pitch that it was almost out of control. Whatever laws were put in place to rid the Border lands of this terrible canker, whatever the merits of the men who led the campaign against it, Reiving infested the land. The Border Clans seemed to be above the Law. They knew no other allegiance than to their clan. The Irvings were no different. They were known to be particularly fierce and troublesome.
The Irving Feud with the Maxwells
It is not clearly known why the Irvings and Maxwells were at each other's throats. Suffice it to say that the Irvings were allies of the Johnstones who, by the 16th century, had been at feud with the Maxwells for nigh on one hundred years. The Maxwell Johnstone feud would culminate in the battle of Dryfe Sands but not before many raids into each other's territory had created a hatred that would involve the Irvings and all the other clans of the Scottish West March.
A Maxwell Raid on Bonshaw
In June 1585 Robert, Lord Maxwell, beseiged Bonshaw Tower with cannon but came off worst in the encounter. The inmates, well marshalled by Edward Irving gave as good as they got and the result was that two or three of Maxwell's people were killed and another four seriously wounded. The strength of the tower was significant in this acrimonious exchange. Maxwell gave up the seige but was to return some time later to resume hostilities. He returned the following month but again did not achieve his aim of subjugating the Irvings.
Bonshaw Tower today
Bonshaw Tower stands today in its entirety. It is an awesome sight. It stands defiantly yet incongruously with the 18th century mansion that sits beside it. It tells of another time when men slept uneasily, always aware that danger and death were not far away. It is a worthy remnant of the heritage of theBorder lands of England and Scotland. To stand and view it is a poignant reminder of a different time when all men were subject to the deadly attacks from the opposite side of the Border, feud with neighbouring clans, even blood feud. A time when life was cheap and a living could be lost between dusk and dawn.
Thomas William Moss - What is a trained, highly qualified and experienced textile technologist doing writing articles about Irish\UK history? Surely technology ...
