The Bizarre Crucifixion of Margaretta Peter: The Short Life of a Prodigy and Devoted Christian

Margaretta Peter was a Swiss woman who lived during the 19^th century. As a child, Margaretta was considered to have been a prodigy and was particularly noted for her religious zeal. As she grew up, however, Margaretta’s intense religious passion turned into a dangerous delusion, culminating in her own crucifixion and death at the age of 28.
The bizarre story of Margaretta Peter is found in Historic Oddities and Strange Events, which is a collection of tales published in 1891 by Sabine Baring-Gould, an Anglican priest. Incidentally, Baring-Gould was a prolific writer and is remembered especially for his hymns, the best-known of which being ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers’. The tale of Margaretta Peter in Baring-Gould’s anthology is entitled ‘A Swiss Passion Play’, a reference to the dramatic presentation of the Passion of Christ by Christian denominations during the season of Lent.

Sabine Baring-Gould, an Anglican priest. (Quadell / Public Domain)