The rescue of Kinmont Willie Armstrong from Carlisle Castle was one of the most audacious actions of the entire border reiver era. William Armstrong had been illegally arrested on a Day of Truce, violating the laws of the march. Walter Scott of Buccleuch demanded his release and when England refused, led a commando-style raid on Carlisle Castle itself. Elizabeth I was furious and demanded reparations from James VI. Buccleuch reportedly told her he considered it nothing difficult — a reply she is said to have loved. The episode inspired a famous border ballad.
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