Thomas Crawford was born about 1530, a son of Lawrence Crawford of Kilbirnie. As youngest of six sons, his career options were open, and he became a professional soldier. In 1547, he was at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, but had the misfortune of being taken prisoner, and was detained till ransomed. In 1550, he went to France and entered the service of King Henry II as one of the Gens d’Armes, under the command of the Earl of Arran.