Spurs, owned by Auld Wat Scott of Harden

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This pair of gilt brass rowel spurs were worn by Auld Wat Scott of Harden. Scott was one of the boldest of the Border Reivers who harassed and plundered the north of England (and their own neighbours) in the late 16th century.

He took part in the Border Reivers most famous foray of all - the rescue of Kinmont Willie from Carlisle Castle, and made many a successful raid on his own account.

The spurs are an interesting link with one of the stories told about Wat. In 1567 he married Mary Scott of Dryhope, known for her beauty and gentleness as 'The Flower of Yarrow'. Mary's tact in managing her turbulent husband is demonstrated by her method of telling him that the larder was empty. Silently she would place a dish containing the spurs before him at the dinner table, and Auld Wat knew that it was time for him to go raiding again.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-322-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.ML 85
• Date: 16th century
  Early 17th century
  
• Material: Brass, gilt
  Spur
  
• Dimensions: 150 mm L
  
• What: Spur
  
• Subject: Horse furniture, stirrups (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Auld Wat Scott of Harden (Owner)
  Mary Scott of Dryhope
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Pair of gilt brass rowel spurs worn by Auld Wat Scott of Harden
  
• References:
  • Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland 65, p 408 
• Translations:
• Related Records: