Can someone die from a broken heart?
Nestled amongst fallen leaves at the foot of the west wall in the churchyard of St. George's, Brede, East Sussex, stands a wooden cross. Remarkable only for its simplicity; it is aged and weather-beaten and it bears just one word - Damaris. That's all. No date, no epitaph. Nothing in fact, to give a hint to the love story that ended so tragically on the very spot, local legend says, now marked by the decaying cross.
Damaris Richardson was a beautiful orphan living in the village with her uncle, when she met and fell in love with Lewis Smith, son and heir to a wealthy, local landowner. Lewis returned her love and they would meet at the west wall of St. George's, he on one side, she on the other. Their romance blossomed and they secretly became engaged, despite Lewis knowing his father would never approve because of their social inequality. Lewis was right; his father found out and he forbade Lewis to see Damaris again, threatening to cut his son off without a penny. Here, the facts become sketchy.
When my mother told me the story, many years ago, she said that when Lewis told Damaris it was over and Damaris watched Lewis walk out of her life forever, her young heart broke and she died where she stood, beside the west wall of St. George's. Others merely say that Damaris was a healthy, happy, young woman in love, who died suddenly at the age of 22, after Lewis broke off their engagement.
Damaris Richardson was a beautiful orphan living in the village with her uncle, when she met and fell in love with Lewis Smith, son and heir to a wealthy, local landowner. Lewis returned her love and they would meet at the west wall of St. George's, he on one side, she on the other. Their romance blossomed and they secretly became engaged, despite Lewis knowing his father would never approve because of their social inequality. Lewis was right; his father found out and he forbade Lewis to see Damaris again, threatening to cut his son off without a penny. Here, the facts become sketchy.
When my mother told me the story, many years ago, she said that when Lewis told Damaris it was over and Damaris watched Lewis walk out of her life forever, her young heart broke and she died where she stood, beside the west wall of St. George's. Others merely say that Damaris was a healthy, happy, young woman in love, who died suddenly at the age of 22, after Lewis broke off their engagement.
Damaris was buried on 4 September 1856 and the wooden cross was placed on her grave, at the site of the lovers' trysts, not by Lewis but the Reverend of St. George's. Lewis died at the age of 64 - a bachelor.
How many times have you heard someone say 'he/she died of a broken heart'? Well, perhaps they did. And perhaps Damaris Richardson did too. I think so. What do you think?
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Comments
Both my great-grandparents died within a very short time frame (I forget whether it was days or weeks, but certainly within a month). After the loss of her husband, at which point she had been in good health, she deteriorated rapidly and passed away a short time later. Whilst tragic, I think it's incredibly romantic that somebody loves another person so much that they literally cannot live without them. Whether a complete coincidence or not, I will always believe she died of a broken heart.
yes i believe you can die from a broken heart , the mere fact that when a relationship ends and the real pain you feel is enough to feel your life is ended
There was a notice in the Deaths column in the Times a couple of weeks ago. A man had died 'Of a broken heart' a month after the loss of his beloved wife of over 50 years. So poignant.
Lovely website and blog, Emily. Great post - yes, I'd have to say I believe you can die of a broken heart, although I expect there was a much more scientific reason!