'White Doe of Rylstone' Summary

In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the Norton family has lived for generations on their ancestral lands. Sir Francis Norton, the patriarch of the family, is a devout Catholic who initially resists joining the rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I. However, when the rebellion gains momentum, Sir Francis feels compelled to lend his support to the cause. He leaves his family behind to join the rebel forces, but his decision has devastating consequences. The rebellion is swiftly defeated, and Sir Francis is killed in battle. His family's home is destroyed, their lands are seized, and his wife and children are left destitute. In the aftermath of the rebellion, a lone white doe appears in the forest near the ruins of the Norton's home. The doe becomes a symbol of hope and resilience for the family, a reminder of the beauty and strength that can endure even in the darkest of times. The doe's presence also serves as a reminder of the tragic events that have befallen the family, and the loss and suffering that has been inflicted upon them.