Feb 07 2009
Lady Godiva
Lady Godiva was a historical figure but much of the fame surrounding her life is more or less legend. She was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia and they resided in the English town of Coventry. It seems that she lived from 997 - 1067, although the exact dates of her birth and death are disputed. Both were well known benefactors of the church and monstaries, but Leoric’s generosity didn’t extend to his serfs and subjects. They suffered from a heavy burden of taxes which they had to pay to their Lord.
Godiva took pity on her subjects’ plight and entreated her husband to lower the taxes. Leofric however didn’t want to hear. Godiva persisted and one day, tired of her constant nagging, Leofric told her, that he would lower the taxes if she rode naked on a horse at noon from one end of the city to another. He must have greatly underestimated Godiva’s determination, because, according to legend, that’s exactly what she did.
Her subjects who knew about Godiva’s courage and determination, vowed to stay indoors and to keep their doors and windows thightly shut to protect their lady’s modesty. Legend continues that all complied, except one tailor by the name of Tom. He couldn’t resist the temptation, cut a hole in his shutter and peeked out. Hence the term ‘Peeping Tom’ originates from. Still according to legend he was struck blind on the spot.
Godiva’s bravery did pay off. Leofric lowered the taxes after his wife’s defiant ride.
