Weapons 4

In the Wheelock, a key is fitted on to a nut (outlined in red below). When this key is turned the action deforms a spring thus storing energy. When the trigger is pulled this energy is used to make a serrated wheel turn at high speed. A piece of iron pyrites (outlined in yellow) is held in the jaws of the cock. Prior to firing, the pyrites is placed in contact with the serrated wheel. When the wheel spins friction with the pyrites generates sparks which set off the priming powder in the pan beside the wheel, detonating the main charge in the barrel. That’s the theory anyway.

The advantages of the Wheelock over the matchlock were that firstly there was no lit match to have to carry and secondly they could be carried loaded and spanned if trouble was expected. Unfortunately, like all powder weapons, they are subject to the vagaries of the weather. Gunpowder does not like damp and the Borderland is one of the dampest places in Britain. Also the spring could “wind down” and was liable to breakage.

In the photo of the rider, at top right of the page, can be seen one of the saddle holsters used to carry his pistols - there is a matching partner on the other side of the horse. It was not unknown for Reivers to carry another brace of pistols - one down the top of each boot!

Because of the unreliablilty of the firearms and the reasons we have seen before on the bow v gun debate, riders would also carry and use the bow.

The weapon of preference of the mounted Reiver was the Pricking Lance. 8-10 feet long, but sometimes as long as 13 feet, given the momentum of horse and rider (three-quarters of a ton moving at 35 mph at the gallop) it must have been capable of inflicting terrible wounds on an opponent.

The Reiver carried a formidable arsenal of weapons when he went on a foray; Sword and Dagger, Lance, Pistol and (possibly) Bow, each of which required countless hours of practice to attain mastery of its use, and using different skills to those employed by the man-at-arms on foot. This mastery was essential. His life depended on it.

Note how the lance is carried when not in use. A leather loop secures it round the crook of the rider's arm and its butt is held in a boot attached to the stirrup iron.