The Market Cross stands at the centre of the Market Place, a classical column topped with a ball finial. It is not architecturally spectacular, but its inscribed base records one of the most memorable incidents in English market history: the case of Ruth Pierce, who dropped dead in 1753 after falsely swearing she had paid for her wheat. The inscription, erected by the town corporation as a warning against perjury and falsehood, is still legible and still stops people in their tracks.
The cross itself dates from the early 19th century; the original medieval cross was replaced over time as the market square was gradually improved. It stands at the natural focal point of the square, and you will pass it several times during any walk around the town centre. The story of Ruth Pierce is retold in various local histories and is one of those regional legends that gets better the more you look into the historical record. A minute's stop is all it needs, but it is worth reading the inscription in full.