Thomas de Brus facts for kids

Sir Thomas de Brus (born around 1284 – died February 17, 1307) was a younger brother of Robert I of Scotland, who later became King. Thomas was a strong supporter of his brother during Scotland's fight for independence against England. Sadly, he was captured by a group called the MacDoualls near Loch Ryan in Galloway, Scotland, and was later put to death by the English.

Thomas was born around 1284 in Carrick, Ayrshire, Scotland. He was one of the younger sons of Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale and Margaret, Countess of Carrick. He was married to Helen Erskine.

The Battle of Loch Ryan

A Fight for Freedom

During the time known as the Scottish Wars of Independence, Scotland was fighting to be free from English rule. Thomas and his brother, Alexander de Brus, led a group of fighters to help their brother, King Robert I. They sailed their ships to Loch Ryan.

The Landing and Capture

Thomas and Alexander were joined by Malcolm McQuillan, a leader from Kintyre, and Sir Reginald de Crawford. They brought a force of eighteen ships and about 1000 Irish fighters. When they arrived at the harbor, a battle began, which is now called the Battle of Loch Ryan. However, their group was quickly overwhelmed by local fighters from Galloway. These fighters were led by Dungal MacDouall, who supported King Edward I of England and other Scottish families like the Balliols and Comyns.

A Harsh End

Only two of their ships managed to escape the battle. All the leaders, including Thomas, Alexander, Malcolm McQuillan, and Sir Reginald de Crawford, were captured. Malcolm McQuillan and the Irish leader were put to death right away. Thomas, Alexander, and Reginald de Crawford were sent to Carlisle, England. A few days after the battle, they were executed in a very harsh way by the English.