The Marchman

by Nigel Tranter

The compelling 16th-century tale of John Maxwell, Warden of the West March. As the turbulent reign of King Henry VIII gives way to the rule of Elizabeth Tudor, young John Maxwell seeks to play his part in the March of Dumfries and Galloway, doing his best to control a motley crew of dalesmen and mosstroopers and the unruly West March English. A loyal supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, Maxwell finds himself drawn into the wider sphere of the kingdom's affairs as he becomes entangled with Mary's suitors, courtiers--and her enemies.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland

374 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.

Reviews

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this book I've started to fill in some of the gaps in my education - Scots History makes grim reading at times but Nigel Tranter's writing is both informative & entertaining.

[Stephen Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just had to read this one as it is about my ancestors! And it is one of Tranter's best

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scotland during the reign of James V, the regencies of James Hamilton, Earl of Arran, Queen Marie de Guise, and the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, from the viewpoint of John Maxwell, Lord Herries & Warden of the West March. The Maxwells were a border family and they were on the receiving end of many an English raid or invasion, especially during the rough wooing by Henry VIII of Mary, Queen of Scots. John Maxwell, becomes acting Warden of the West March when his father is captured at the Battle of Solway Moss with many other Scots nobles. He would remain loyal to Marie de Guise and Mary, Queen of Scots while Henry VIII was funding the spread of Protestantism in Scotland with a section of the nobles taking its side with an eye to gaining Catholic church property and power if they succeeded. A portion of the nobles that were held captive in England and ransomed by their families come back encouraging marriage between Edward Tudor, Prince of Wales, and Mary, Queen of Scots. Hostages were required to be sent to England from those nobles ransomed by their families. Marie de Guise didn't think much the English marriage proposal and the rough wooing ensued. Mary, Queen of Scots would finally be shipped to France when she was five as it was thought she would be kidnapped and sent to England and wed to Prince Edward Tudor. She would return 13 years later on her mother's death to a divided kingdom where John Knox was preaching a vitriolic message and nobles were enriching themselves on Catholic church property

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tranter brings Scottish history alive. By covering the same period of time with different characters in the main, the reader can see events from various points of view. Here the story of Mary Queen of Scots is told from the point of view of the Warden of the West March.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical novel covers the early adulthood of 16th century Scotsman John Maxwell, Lord Herries, Warden of the West March during the regency and early years of Mary, Queen of Scots' reign. The times are tumultuous, and Maxwell becomes ever more closely involved with the affairs of the realm, taking part in significant battles and minor intrigues. Along the way, he also woos and wins the hand of the spirited Agnes Herries. Like all Tranter's books, this was a light, rollicking tale, fun to read if not terribly deep.