Thomas proposed and led a charge of 30 men to seize the castle, impersonating the fuel man, knowing the countryman who supplied the garrison with firewood.
Dixon, 'arrayed in the costume of the carrier, in the grey dawn of the early morn, drove his cart of wood up to the gate, which, with a remark as to his untimely arrival, the unsuspecting porter threw open.
Dickson immediately stabbed the porter, and giving the signal, Douglas and his men rushed in and completed the work, all the garrison being put to death save one, who escaped and gave the alarm to the English troops in the vicinity[5].
Thomas was made Hereditary Captain of Douglas Castle by King Robert Bruce in 1306, a role held by the Barons of Symondstone until 1616.
On Palm Sunday (19 March) 1307, he supported Sir James Douglas to recapture the castle from occupying English forces, in what became known in legend as the 'Douglas Larder'[10].
John Barbour's The Brus describes: Thomas Dycsone the nearest was, to them that were of the castle, who were all within the chancel, and when he so heard 'Douglas' cry, He drew out his sword, and fiercely rushed among them to and fro[11].