Curse
Ruth Pierce
Be careful what you swear by.
See it clearly
- What's there
- Gothic market cross with inscription
- Legend from
- Coroner's inquisition, 1753; market cross inscription
- Tone
- Grim
'May I drop down dead if I have not paid.' She said it twice.
On 25 January 1753 four women bought a sack of wheat in Devizes market. When the money was gathered, Ruth Pierce of Potterne was said to be short of her share. She swore she had paid, and wished she might drop down dead if she had not. She repeated the wish, and fell dead on the spot. The coroner's jury found she died by the visitation of Almighty God. The market cross of 1814 carries the story, adding that the money was found hidden in her hand.