Lord Warden of the Marches facts for kids

Map of the Scottish Marches

The Lord Warden of the Marches was a very important job in the old governments of Scotland and England. These special officials were like the main guardians of the border between the two countries. Their job was to keep the border safe and sometimes even lead armies in battles.

They also worked with other officials called 'Conservators of the truce' to manage a unique set of rules known as March law. This law helped deal with crimes and disputes that happened along the border.

The border lands, known as the Marches, were split into three main areas: West, Middle, and East. Each of these areas had its own warden who reported to the main Lord Warden-general. For England, the Western March was based around Carlisle, and the Eastern March was near Berwick-upon-Tweed.

This important job became unnecessary after 1603. That's when King James became the king of both England and Scotland, joining the two crowns.

Guardians of the Border: The Lord Warden's Role

The Lord Warden of the Marches had a tough and vital role. They were responsible for protecting their country's side of the border. This meant they had to be ready for military action at any time. They also had to make sure people followed the special border laws.

What Was March Law?

March law was a unique system of rules. It was created to handle problems that happened between people living on both sides of the border. These laws helped keep some order in a wild and often dangerous area.

Why the Job Ended

The role of the Lord Warden of the Marches became unnecessary in 1603. This was because King James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England. This event is known as the union of the crowns. With one king ruling both countries, the need for separate border guardians faded away.

English Wardens of the Marches

Over the centuries, many powerful and important people held the title of Lord Warden or Warden of the Marches for England. They were often nobles or military leaders.

Notable English Lord Wardens

• Roger de Clifford, 5th Baron de Clifford was the first person to hold the specific title of "Lord Warden of the Marches" starting in 1377.
• Richard, Duke of Gloucester (who later became King Richard III) held the office in 1482.
• Arthur, Prince of Wales, the elder brother of King Henry VIII, was a Lord Warden from 1498 until his death in 1502.
• Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset, who was the son of King Henry VIII, also held this position.
• Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon was a Lord Warden-general in 1589. He was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I.
• Robert Carey, 1st Earl of Monmouth held the role just before the union of the crowns (1596–1598).

Wardens of Specific English Marches

The English border was divided into three sections: the Eastern, Middle, and Western Marches. Each had its own warden.

• The Eastern March was often overseen by powerful families like the Percys.
• The Middle March also saw many important figures, including members of the Eure and Bowes families.
• The Western March was guarded by people like Andrew Harclay, 1st Earl of Carlisle and later members of the Dacre and Clifford families. Thomas Scrope, 10th Baron Scrope of Bolton was the last Warden of the Western March, serving until 1603.

Scottish Wardens of the Marches

Scotland also had its own Lord Wardens and wardens for each of the three border areas. These Scottish leaders were just as crucial in protecting their side of the border.

Notable Scottish Lord Wardens-general

• William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas was an early Lord Warden-general in 1356.
• Archibald Douglas, 3rd Earl of Douglas held the position for a long time (1364–1400).
• Antoine d'Arces, Sieur de la Bastie, was a French nobleman who served as a Warden-general in 1516, but he was killed in 1517.
• Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus was a powerful figure who served in 1574.
• Alexander Home, 6th Lord Home was the last Scottish Lord Warden-general in 1603.

Wardens of Specific Scottish Marches

Like England, Scotland's border was divided into Eastern, Middle, and Western Marches, each with its own warden.

• The Eastern March was often managed by the powerful Douglas and Home families.
• The Middle March saw leaders from the Ker and Douglas families.
• The Western March was often overseen by members of the Johnston and Maxwell families. Sir James Johnston, Laird of Johnston, served two terms as Warden of the Western March, including the final years before the union of the crowns.

See also

• Scottish Borders
• Anglo-Scottish border
• Border Reivers
• Debatable Lands, a special area between England and Scotland that was once disputed.
• The Scots' Dike, a ditch dug in 1552 to divide the Debatable Lands.
• Welsh Marches, similar border lands between England and Wales.
• The Borderers (Television series)
• Scottish Marches