Lady Godiva lived in the 11th century and was the wife of Count Leofrick of Mercia. She went down in history thanks to her very beautiful deed. However, many are sure that there was no act and that it was just a fiction and a legend …
Real facts about Lady Godiva
Credible historical sources indicate that Lady Godiva was born around 990, married for the first time at a young age, and was widowed almost immediately. In 1030, she fell ill with some serious illness, but then managed to recover and marry again - to Count Leofrick.
It is also known that this lady was a very devout woman. She made generous donations to the local Benedictine monastery, and before her death (Godiva died presumably in 1067), she gave him all her lands. She was buried in this monastery, and next to her noble husband.
The essence of the famous legend
The story, which for centuries glorified Lady Godiva, happened, according to the chronicle of the monk Roger Wendrover, in 1040 in Coventry. Then England was ruled by King Edward the Confessor, known for his inability to conduct public affairs and a lack of understanding of English realities. There was a shortage of funds in the country, and the king decided to raise taxes. The titled persons should have been engaged in their collection. Specifically, in the city of Coventry and the surrounding territories, this was to be done by Earl Leofrick. In fact, he was the owner of this city. But residents, of course, this innovation did not suit. They already paid a lot of money, and the new orders could finally ruin them.
They begged the Count to refuse to raise taxes, but he stood his ground. Then his pious and very kind wife joined in. She also began to ask her husband to reduce the amount of taxes to the previous level. On emotions, Count Leofric said that he would abolish cruel taxes only when she rode Coventry naked on a horse. He believed that his wife would not dare to do this, but he was mistaken. Godiva sacrificed her own pride and honor for the sake of ordinary people. July 10, 1040, as reported in the Wendrover’s chronicle, this pretty woman sat naked on her horse and rode through the city streets like this.
The inhabitants of Coventry, knowing this, closed the shutters and doors, and sat in their houses, not showing themselves outside - this was how they showed respect for the lady. Only a city dweller named Tom violated the unspoken prohibition - through a click, he looked at the girl on the horse, and immediately went blind. The count was delighted with the selflessness of his wife and kept his promise - he reduced taxes.
