Spurs, owned by Auld Wat Scott of Harden

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:	0098: 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
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:
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