This is what the original inquest into Fanny Mercer's death recorded:
On the day of the accident Fanny, and two other servants were given the day off and set out for a walk over the fells. Eventually they arrived on Honister Crag and decided to return to Buttermere via Fleetwith Pike and Fleetwith Edge. It was on their descent, as they neared the road, that the accident happened. Fanny, who was at the rear, apparently jumped off the ledge on which she was standing, using her alpenstock for support. The effect was to propel her upwards and outwards, so she fell a considerable distance and unfortunately struck her head on a rock.
Fanny suffered severe head wounds and was carried down to Gatesgarth Farm, alas to no avail. A messenger was sent for a doctor from Cockermouth but, by the time he arrived, several hours later, Fanny had died.
The cross was repainted a few years ago by Derek Tunstall, of the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team.