Thomas of Galloway (bastard) facts for kids

Thomas of Galloway, also known as Tomás mac Ailein, was born around 1208. He was the son of Alan of Galloway, a very important Scottish leader. Alan was the last Lord of Galloway, which was a powerful area in southwestern Scotland.

When Alan died, he did not have any sons who were considered legal heirs to his lands. Because of this, King Alexander II of Scotland decided to divide Galloway. He planned to give parts of it to the husbands of Alan's three daughters. This decision was a big problem for Thomas.

Thomas's Fight for Galloway

Thomas did not agree with the king's plan. He wanted Galloway to remain an independent area, just as it had been. So, Thomas, along with a friend named Gille Ruadh, started a rebellion against King Alexander II.

Their goal was to keep Galloway as its own special "sub-kingdom." However, their rebellion was not successful. The king's forces defeated them.

Life in Prison

After the rebellion failed, Thomas was captured. He was then put in prison. He stayed in prison for a very long time, about 60 years!

He was finally released by King Edward I of England in 1296. This happened after a big battle called the Battle of Dunbar. King Edward I also released him after King Alexander III of Scotland had died in 1286. However, Thomas was taken back into custody later that same year.

Thomas's Family

About ten years before his father Alan died, Thomas got married. He married a daughter of Ronald, King of Man.

Thomas had a son named Cane McGillolane. Cane McGillolane is important because he is considered the ancestor of a Scottish family group called Clan MacLellan.