The Border Reivers left a lasting mark on families, communities and records of the Anglo-Scottish borderlands. This talk introduces the world of the Reivers, setting their story in its wider historical context before looking at some of the sources that can help family historians explore possible Reiver connections.
Wendy Tait Mayfield will guide us through accessible primary and secondary sources, showing where researchers might begin and how Reiver families may appear in both specific records and more familiar genealogical sources. The talk will also touch on the social history of the Reivers and, where relevant, their later legacy.
This session is designed for family historians who already understand the basics of genealogical research and would like to explore this fascinating area with more confidence.
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About the Speaker
Wendy Tait Mayfield
A retired genealogist, Wendy grew up in Kent moving north, firstly to Newcastle upon Tyne and later to Hawick in the Scottish Borders, where she married and acquired a Border Reiver surname. This led to a fascination with the families, lives and culture of the people who occupied this lawless part of the country for over 300 years. She is a member of the Hawick Reivers Festival committee and is committed to ensuring a wider understanding of this little-known history.
28/11/2026 Saturday
10:30 - 11:30
Online
Talk on Zoom by Wendy Tait Mayfield, a member of the Hawick Reivers Festival committee.
Location
Online