The Debatable Lands, also known as debatable ground, batable ground or threip lands,[1] lay between Scotland and England.[2] It was formerly in question as to which it belonged to when they were distinct kingdoms.[3] For most of its existence, the area was a lawless zone controlled by clans of "border reivers" which terrorized the surrounding areas. It became the last part of Britain to be brought under state control in the middle of the 16th century by James V of Scotland, and was eventually divided between Scotland and England.
- ^ Maxwell 1897, p. 161.
- ^ The County Histories of Scotland, Volume 5. Scotland: W. Blackwood and Sons. 1896. pp. 160–162. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
- ^ Henton, Kirsten (5 May 2020). "The tiny 'country' between England and Scotland". BBC Travel. Retrieved 6 May 2020.