Berwick

Berwick stands at the mouth of the River Tweed, close to the border between England and Scotland. Its harbour and position made it a wealthy trading town and a coveted military prize for both crowns. For centuries the town changed hands as the two rival kingdoms fought for control of the border and its trade.

Berwick returned to Scottish hands in 1461, only to be captured for Edward IV of England in 1482. In 1558 the English Crown began replacing its medieval walls with a new system of earthworks and projecting artillery bastions designed to withstand artillery. The great fortifications reflected the town's exposed position, though the union of the crowns in 1603 under James VI reduced the danger of invasion across the border.