The Legend of Lady Godiva

Legend of Lady Godiva

Did you know that the legend of Lady Godiva comes from the 11th Century? She was married to Leofric, the Earl of Mercia, and she felt pity for the people of Coventry who were suffering grievously under her husband’s oppressive taxation.

Lady Godiva appealed again and again to her husband, who obstinately refused to stop the taxes. At last, weary of her entreaties, he said he would grant her request if she would strip naked and ride on a horse through the streets of the town. Lady Godiva took him at his word, and after issuing a proclamation that all persons should stay indoors and shut their windows, she rode through the town, clothed only in her long hair.

Now you may have heard parts or all of that story before, but this part may be new: just one person in the town, a tailor, bore a hole in his shutter so he could gaze upon Lady Godiva as she trotted past and he was known ever after as Peeping Tom!

Lady Godiva Statue