Lady Godiva Rode N*ked Through Coventry

 Lady Godiva Rode N*ked Through Coventry



One of the most legendary figures of the Anglo-Saxon world was Lady Godiva. Unhappy with her husband's decision to raise taxes on his subjects, she struck a deal with him: If she rode naked through Coventry, he'd lower the taxes. She made good on her promise, and the people of Mercia got the tax break they craved.

Even though her breezy ride through Coventry likely never happened, Lady Godiva really was an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman in the 11th century. She also was generous with her wealth. 

Where did the myth of the noblewoman's naked ride come from? Historian Robert Lacey suggests that Lady Godiva may have appeared in the middle of Coventry "naked" - but naked as Anglo-Saxons would have understood it: without jewels or finery.


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