This Day in History: 1753-01-25

1753 – Devizes & Potterne – On this day Ruth Pierce of Potterne called upon the name of God to prove that she was not lying during a trade dispute that took place in Devizes Market Place.  Ruth claimed to have paid her share for goods bought by Ruth and another two women but had been accused of not having handed over her share of the payment due.  Ruth swore that she had and called upon God to strike her down dead should she be lying.  Almost immediately Ruth Pierce collapsed and died.  The Market Cross in Devizes was erected with a panel telling the story as a warning to future generations to call on the holy name of God to conceal the devices of falsehood and fraud.