WINTHROP, Mass., July 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- William le Hardi Douglas was a 13th century Scottish patriot and one of the first noblemen to join William Wallace in his fight for national independence. He and his wife, Eleanora, also shared a passionate love but endured much heartache. Their story is told in a new book, My Truth Lies in the Ruins (now available through AuthorHouse), by spiritual medium Deborah Richmond Foulkes.
My Truth Lies in the Ruins is an adventurous and heartbreaking book about a brave Scottish knight, of the late 13th century. This story, however, is true, says Foulkes, who claims William Douglas told her details of his life in order to clear his name in history. She also did extensive research in Scotland and England to confirm his accounts. His story is one of honor and love in a chaotic time for Scotland.
A crusader, poet, knight and alchemist healer, Douglas kept his integrity no matter what tragedies befell him and his family. After his first wife dies, he meets and falls in love with Eleanora of Lovaine, who refuses to marry him without permission from the greedy despot, King Edward I of England. They later marry in secret, prompting Edward to seize Douglas' lands. He serves as Lord Douglas and later governor of Berwick Castle, the premier fortress in the Scottish Borders. During a battle with English forces, le Hardi surrenders the castle to spare the town of Berwick, but Edward breaks his promise and butchers 8000 men, women and children. It is the site of the first documented genocide in recorded history.
Throughout these escapades, Douglas and Eleanora have many children, but lose several to disease and accidents. They live a passionate life together but are always on the run from danger during this brutal medieval period. When Douglas joins Wallace's rebellion, fate turns against them. Douglas had previously beheaded the kin of English nobleman Henry de Percy, for murdering the Earl of Fife, and to exact revenge, de Percy captures Douglas and commits him to the Tower of London on false charges, separating him from Eleanora. In a powerful ending, they are reunited and fall madly in love again, only to suffer one last tragedy.
Foulkes is an ordained minister, Reiki master and spiritual medium. A descendent of both the Douglases, Foulkes lives in Winthrop, Mass., with her husband.
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