Lady Godiva was an Anglo-Saxon woman and wife of the ruler of Coventry, England. She loved her husband dearly, but always opposed the way he treated his people.

When her husband issued a heavy tax on the local people, Lady Godiva begged him to stop this oppressive tax, called a "Heregeld". According to the legend, Godiva's husband retorted that he would only stop the tax if she rode through the streets of Coventry naked.

And so she did, covering herself only with her hair. Later versions of the legend claim that Lady Godiva sent messengers through the city beforehand, warning the townspeople to stay inside and shut their windows, during this act.

Peeping Tom

The woman was so highly respected that the entire city shut down their windows while she rode through it naked. The only exception was a tailor, who watched through a hole in his shutter as the naked woman roamed the city. Legend says he was struck blind for not obeying Lady Godiva's request.

The tailor, who was allegedly named Tom, thus originated the term "Peeping Tom".

Godiva’s husband abolished the law immediately after her protest.

Historical Inspiration

Lady Godiva, or Godgifu, was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. She was born around 980 and died between 1066 and 1086. Godiva was mentioned by 12th-century chronicler Florence of Worcester, but there is no evidence connecting her to the famous naked rider of Coventry.

Lady Godiva in Pop Culture

Godiva Chocolatier named their company after Lady Godiva, inspired by her generosity and boldness.

Lady Godiva, an 1897 painting by John Collier, is one of the most recognizable visual representations of the legend.

Literature

"Godiva" (1840), a poem written by poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson

The Seven Lady Godivas: The True Facts Concerning History's Barest Family (1939), a novel by Dr. Seuss

Godiva (2008), a novel by Nerys Jones

Film/Television

The Ghost Talks (1949)

Lady Godiva of Coventry (1955)

Lady Godiva: Back in the Saddle (2007)

Music