Family Feud that Lasted a Century!

Before there were the Hatfields and the McCoys there were the Johnstones and the Maxwells. In the 16^th century, the two families vied for control. The feud lasted nearly a century and was one of the bloodiest family feuds in British history.

Caerlaverock

Sir. James Johnstone of Dunskellie was the leader of Johnstone clan and John was Lord Maxwell, the chief of the Maxwells. He was the West Marsh Warden, which meant he was responsible for the whole March. This position could change hands between warlords. The frequent change of the Wardenship was part of the animosity between the two clan leaders.

In early 1593, Willie Johnstone stole a black horse from Lord Crichton. Once Willie was caught, Lord Crichton ordered Willie to be hanged. He was caught “red hand” the summary was written in the Border Law.

Caerlaverock

In revenge, the Johnstones of Wamphray, led by Willie Johnstone of Kirkhill, burned their way through Lord Crichton’s land. They stole household goods and they killed fifteen of Lord Crichton’s tenants.

Crichton demands The Maxwell to address the matter, but Lord Maxwell didn't want to further the hostility between the two clans. Crichton was furious and rode to Edinburgh to petition the King.

The king decided that John, Lord Maxwell should demand that Johnstone give himself up to the Warden and be brought to Edinburgh . Crichton brought the widows and mothers of all fifteen men killed. They paraded the bloodied shirts of their loved ones and gained the peoples sympathy. They wanted the Johnstones brought to justice.

The Johnstones refused to give up the men responsible for the bloodshed and the two clans prepared for war. The Johnstones had four hundred men who followed him . The Maxwells had two thousand at their disposal. The two clans met at Dryfe Sands. Lockerbie on December 1593. The Maxwells had to cross the river Annan. The Johnstones concealed themselves in the hills and when the Maxwells crossed,  they were ambushed immediately. The Maxwells couldn’t turn around or they would run into their own men. 

Lochwood Tower

In the battle, The Maxwell was struck from his horse and died. His head and hands were cut off and hung on the walls of Lochwood Tower. Vestiges remain their today.

The battle lasted only two hours with the rest of the Maxwell retreating from the disaster. The youngest Johnstone to fight and live was Robert Johnstone of Raecleuch who was only eleven years old.

The Devil's Wolf (Historical Romance)
Amazon 

Smashwords

Blurb:
     When Archie Maxwell is accused falsely of killing a Johnstone, his brother, Waylon, known as the Devil's Wolf, sets out to save him. His bargaining tool is the Johnstone's daughter, Catrione. He plans to ransom her for his brother's release, but once he lays eyes on her, his plans take another turn.

Lady Catrione Johnstone knows of the Devil’s Wolf and his ruthless exploits. Catrione vows she will fight him to the end. However, the myth is nothing like the man. In his arms, she forgets he is her enemy.

Will the magic of love finally bring peace to these two feuding clans or will it only inflame the hostility to a bloody end?