#OTD in 1338, the sheriff of Cumberland was ordered to arrest all those who took victuals and other goods across the border into Scotland. Their goods, horses, cows, etc, were also to be seized... #medieval #Scottish #History #medievaltwitter #OnThisDay

Despite the ongoing state of war between Scotland and England, illicit trade was an ongoing concern for the English crown. Previous posts highlighted problems of seaborne trade and complexity of supply to English garrisons/Balliol loyalists while not supplying the Bruce Scots.

But trade over land was also a concern. Illicit supply over the Solway, at low tide, was a particular issue, although the geography of Cumberland made other routes a possibility also. But, as with sea trade, the politics of things were complex.

Southern Scotland was occupied English territory. And although Galloway was not, it was a Balliol stronghold. So, such supplies could still have been going to Balliol loyalists and English supporters. But the English crown still feared that the Bruces were being supplied instead.

That such concerns persisted suggests that they were based on reality. English merchants, whose markets may have lain in Scotland, may not have been keen to give up on the profits of their trade. And this should not come as a surprise. Money talks...!