(? – 1066ish)
How far would you go for social injustice? Lady Godiva was a religious woman renowned for her generous gifts to churches and abbeys. Her birth date is unknown, but her marriage to Leofric, Earl of Mercia around 1035 is recorded. She was a wealthy noblewoman in her own right, but, seeing the plight of ordinary people, she pleaded with her husband – Lord of Coventry – to ease their burden of taxes. So far, so straightforward. However, he suggested, legend has it, that she ride naked through the town for the cause (party balloons optional). As the day approached, folk were ordered to stay indoors, windows barred and she rode through the town having only her long her covering her. Of course, one cheeky fella stole a look and was rendered blind, hence the turn of phrase, ‘Peeping Tom’. Still, Lord Coventry could have revoked taxes without his wife having to conduct a ride of shame. If only tax decreases were that simple, eh?
Fun fact! Lady Godiva’s original Anglo-Saxon first name was Godgifu(or sometimes spelled Godgyfu), which translates to “gift of God”. ‘Godiva’ is the Latinised version.
The statue actually goes by the title, ‘Self Sacrifice’. Sculpted by William Reid-Dick, it was commissioned in the 1930’s by another William (Bassett-Green) who was a wealthy Coventry businessman fascinated by the Godiva story. The project was stalled by the second World War and when the artist came to finish the work some 10 years later, the cost of creation had increased. However, Basset-Green refused to pay for any additional costs. After an anonymous donor making up the difference the unveiling happened in 1949.
WomenstatuesUK 