Warwickshire Tourist Guide - Articles

Unlike Robin Hood - one of our other famous Warwickians - Lady Godiva definitely existed and is a genuine historical figure who lived in the 11th century.

The Reality
She was the beautiful wife of Leofric III, Earl of Mercia and lord of Coventry and is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding many estates in Coventry and Warwickshire, which she inherited from Leofric when he died in 1057 (a rather extreme way to avoid fighting at the Battle of Hastings).

Her connection with Coventry began in 1043 when she and Leofric founded an Abbey after noting the lack of educational facilities for the clergy. As the town of Coventry grew, so Leofric began assuming a greater role in its public affairs. He began handling the town's financial matters and initiated grand public works.

According to the story, the people of the city were suffering from Leofric’s oppressive taxation (he apparently even put a tax on manure). Lady Godiva appealed to her husband, who refused to reduce the burden. Eventually, tired of her entreaties, he said he would grant her request if she would ride naked through the streets of the town. Lady Godiva took him at his word, and after issuing a proclamation that all persons should keep within doors or shut their windows, she rode naked and unashamed, clothed only in her long hair.

The Myth
Unfortunately, the story of her naked ride through the streets of Coventry is almost certainly a myth.

The earliest written record of it comes from one Roger of Wendover more than a century after Godiva's death. This medieval scribe is renowned for his exaggeration and politically biased embellishment and he is regarded more as a storyteller than a genuine historian.

Some 11th and 12th century chroniclers mention Godiva as a respectable religious woman of some beauty but do not mention any naked public excursions. There are, after all, several alternative definitions of the word ‘naked’: the lack of any adornment (representing her position and power); defenceless or unprotected (riding alone through the streets); or, simply, ‘pure’ as any respectable religious woman would be expected to be.

Another Myth
The story of Peeping Tom - who bored a hole in his shutters that he might see Godiva pass and is said to have been struck blind – is a much later addition to the story and is probably 17th century puritan propaganda.

Another Tourist Trap
Like many other myths and legends, the Lady Godiva story seems to have been elaborated and enhanced in order to attract pilgrims – the tourists of their day – to spend their money in Coventry.

But, like most myths and legends, it’s much nicer, and far more interesting, to believe that it really happened.