The structure was an 'L' plan fortified tower built in the mid-15th century. It was attacked a number of times by marauding English forces, before being abandoned in the 17th century. From the early 14th century families fought raids, stole sheep and livestock, burnt each other’s homes and generally pillaged their way across the wild north. They were known as the Reivers and they often wore quilted jackets, and light body armour. It is from the 350 years of these troubles that the word 'Blackmail' comes from.