The threat of raids and attacks from Scots across the sea didn't end with the departure of the Romans, however, and as late as the 1550s, Scottish raiders were still attacking Mawbray and the surrounding communities. A system called the seawake – a night watch along the coast – was instituted, and Mawbray participated along with other coastal communities in the area. Defence against Scottish raids was also important to the Lord and Steward of Holm Cultram when planning the settlement of New Mawbray, today known as Newtown, in the same period.