Richie Graham facts for kids
Richie Graham (born 1555, died 1606) was a famous Reiver who lived in Great Britain during the late 1500s.
Richie was the son of Fergus Graham. His father, Fergus, bought a place called Brackenhill in Arthuret after 1561. He bought it from Sir Thomas Dacre. Fergus gave this property to his third son, Richie, in the 1580s.
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About Richie Graham
Richie Graham was known as a "Border Reiver." Reivers were groups of people who lived near the border between England and Scotland. They often raided towns and farms, taking animals and goods. This was a common way of life in that area during those times.
Building Brackenhill Tower
Richie Graham built a strong building called Brackenhill Tower in 1584. Towers like this were often used for defense against other reivers or enemies.
The Attack on Falkland Palace
On June 27, 1592, Richie Graham joined a group led by a rebel named Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. They surrounded Falkland Palace in Fife. At the time, King James VI and Queen Anne of Denmark were staying there.
Graham and his friends, including Thomas Musgrave, caused trouble in the nearby town of Falkland. They took about 80 horses, clothes, and money from the people living there. After this event, sometimes called the Raid of Falkland, Richie Graham gave shelter to a Scottish rebel named James Douglas of Spott at his home in Brackenhill.
Helping Kinmont Willie
In 1596, Richie Graham helped Lord Buccleuch free a famous reiver named Kinmont Willie from Carlisle Castle. This was a very daring rescue that became well-known.
Later Life and Death
Richie Graham passed away in 1606.
It is important not to confuse Richie Graham of Brackenhill with another person named Richie Graham from Scotland. That other Richie Graham was involved in the North Berwick Witch Trials.
