Lady Godiva: Heroically Unclothed

Lady Godiva’s famous ride may be more legendary than historical, but the story is worth the telling.

This good-hearted woman was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Chester, who lived in the 11th century.  According to tradition, Lady Godiva was upset over the heavy taxes her dear hubby imposed upon the townsfolk of Coventry, England, and she pleaded with him to ease their tax burden.

He agreed, on the condition that she ride naked through the market place at Coventry.  She did.

Thankfully, she had long hair, which she used to cover herself.  In addition, the townspeople, either out of respect for her or fear of her husband, stayed indoors and closed their shutters tightly to give the Lady Godiva privacy.

Only one man allegedly dared peek at the naked woman.  He was a tailor named Tom and he was immediately struck blind for his transgression.

To this day, we call men like him “Peeping Toms.”

Share This