LADY GODIVA was a historical figure and the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. (Godgifu or Godgyfu means "gift of God”. Godiva is the Latinised version.)
According to the legend, Lady Godiva took pity on the poor people who suffered under her husband's oppressive system and heavy taxes. Lady Godiva appealed again and again to her husband to lighten the burden on his subjects. Her husband obstinately refused to compile, but weary of her entreaties, he finally said he would agree to make changes if she would strip naked and ride through the streets of the town. This was unheard of and he hoped it would be the end of the discussion, but Lady Godiva took him at his word and, after issuing a proclamation that people should stay indoors and shut their windows, she rode through the town naked, only “dressed” in her long, red hair. As a result of this ride, Lady Godiva's husband kept his word and abolished the onerous taxes.
The oldest form of the legend has Godiva passing through Coventry market from one end to the other attended only by two knights, while the people were assembled and looking down in respect. This version is given in Flores Historiarum in the 12th century, quoted from an earlier writer. The later story, with its episode of "Peeping Tom," appeared first among 17th century chroniclers. There it was told that one single man, a tailor ever afterwards known as Peeping Tom, disobeyed Lady Godiva’s proclamation. This is probably the most famous example of voyeurism in history. It was told that Tom managed to get a glimpse of Lady Godiva as she passed by, and that he was struck blind.
Source: Wikipedia
Painting by John Collier 1897
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