The revolt of the Galwegians started in 1235, under Gille Ruadh's leadership.
Matthew Paris says that Manx and Irish forces got involved too. Thomas received help from his father's father-in-law,
Hugh de Lacy the
Earl of Ulster, Hugh had his own problems which limited his participation. Thomas also seems to have gained support from
Ruaidrí mac Ragnaill and the
Uí Domnaill of
Tír Conaill. Alexander soon invaded Galloway. Gille Ruadh ambushed the royal army, almost bringing it to disaster. However the Scottish King was saved by
Fearchar,
Mormaer of Ross. Gille Ruadh and Thomas escaped to Ireland, Alexander returned north, and
Walter Comyn, Earl of
Menteith, was left to subdue the province, ravaging the lands and
monastic establishments (
Glenluce Abbey and
Tongland Abbey were both sacked, and their abbots punished). Soon afterwards, Gille Ruadh returned from
Ireland with a new army. The royal forces fled the province. However, for an unknown set of reasons, Gille Ruadh abandoned Thomas and gave himself up on favorable conditions to
Patrick II, Earl of Dunbar. Thomas followed suit. The failure of the revolt ensured the death of the Lordship of Galloway as a united and distinct sub-kingdom of northern Britain. ==Notes==