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Lady Godiva is a legitimate historical figure, born in 990 A.D. It is u n k n o w n when she died, although it was assumed to be between 1066 and 10 8 6 . T h e r eal Godiva was known for being generous to the church.
In the eleventh century, Lady Godiva reportedly rode a horse completely n a k e d t h rough the streets of Coventry on Market Day. According to legend , h e r h u s band, Leofric, demanded an oppressive tax from Coventry citize ns . L a d y G odiva, aiming to help the citizens, pleaded for him to stop. L e o f r i c supposedly said, “You will have to ride naked through Coventry b e f o r e I c hange my ways.”
Before beginning this quest to help Coventry, Godiva told everyone to s t a y i n t h eir homes to preserve her modesty. She then rode through the s t r e e t s, her long hair draped so that it covered almost her whole body, a l l o w i ng only her legs and eyes to remain visible. However, one man, now k n o w n a s P eeping Tom, disobeyed her instructions and couldn’t help looki n g o u t a t G odiva riding through Coventry on the horse. Upon doing so, t h e l e g e nd goes, he was instantly blinded.
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Abt 975 - 1067 (92 years)
