Lady Godiva

Lady Godiva is a legitimate historical figure, born in 990 A.D. It is unknown when she died, although it was assumed to be between 1066 and 1086. The real Godiva was known for being generous to the church.

I am Godiva, wife of Leofric, Lady of Mercia.

Nine hundred years ago, my husband taxed the people of the city of Coventry, in the middle lands of England, so mercilessly that children starved in their homes. As I walked from street to street, house to house, I heard their cries and it tore my heart to pieces.

So I begged my husband to be merciful, but this cruel man said that he would only reduce the taxes the people were forced to pay, on the condition that I ride naked through the streets on my horse.

I am a woman of faith and modesty, yet to assuage the misery of the people, I agreed.

And out of their love and respect, everybody closed their shutters as I rode past so that my shame would be seen by nobody and known only to myself.

Well, I say ‘everybody’, but only Tom the tailor defiled my modesty by looking through a gap in his window. Forever more, he was cursed with the name Peeping Tom.

But my name is beloved as a woman of beauty, kindness and love.