 However, they are probably better known as a sixteenth-century phenomenon, due to the work of Fraser who based his book on the "Border papers", a compilation or calendar of correspondence and other documents relating to the English Crown's administration (or lack of it) in the Borders during that century.The Reivers were characterised by strong kinship bonds, forming clan-like groups under a given surname (that could extend across the Anglo-Scottish borderline).These groups became semi-autonomous from local government, owing far more loyalty to their name than to the king or local lords.