Lady Godiva: The Timeless Legacy of Coventry's Selfless Heroine

Who’s that lady on horseback, with her long hair flowing down, covering her chest? If you’re in Coventry, you can’t miss the iconic statue in the city center. She’s none other than Lady Godiva, the city's beloved legend, remembered even after a thousand years for her incredible sacrifice. Everywhere you go in Coventry, from museums to art displays, you’ll find something about her. She’s celebrated like no other. This stunning statue, named "Self Sacrifice," stands as a testament to her story. But who was she? Let’s dive into her background.

Lady Godiva, or Godgifu in Old English, was an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman married to Leofric, the Earl of Mercia. She wasn’t just a woman of wealth; she was deeply religious, donating generously to churches and abbeys. In fact, she and her husband funded several religious institutions, including a church in Coventry that they helped rebuild in the 1040s.

But what really set Lady Godiva apart was her compassion for the people. Her husband was known for his heavy taxes, which weighed down the citizens of Coventry. Godiva couldn’t bear to see them suffer and repeatedly begged Leofric to ease the burden. He finally gave in – but only if she would ride naked through the streets. Shockingly, she accepted the challenge. She rode through the town, her long hair covering her, while the townsfolk respectfully stayed indoors, obeying her request to avoid peeking. Well, except for one infamous man, now known as "Peeping Tom," who couldn’t resist sneaking a glance. His punishment? In most versions of the story, he was struck blind.

Though the famous ride was first mentioned in the 13th century, long after Godiva’s death in 1067, the legend has endured, and Peeping Tom became part of the tale in the 17th century. Some even believe Godiva wasn’t entirely nude, but draped in a thin cloth. Regardless, her story has been immortalized in countless artworks and celebrations.

In fact, a Godiva procession began in 1678, and it’s been going strong ever since. The first known image of her was crafted in stained glass by John Thornton, 250 years after she died. And her tale has inspired films, songs, and even chocolate! Yes, the famous Godiva chocolates were named after her in 1926 by the Draps family in Belgium.

Back to Coventry, though, where the bronze statue of Godiva stands tall in the city's Broadgate. Sculpted by William Reid-Dick, it was unveiled on 22nd October 1949 by Peggy Z. Douglas. The statue, commissioned back in 1936 by the local businessman William Bassett-Green, took a bit of time due to the interruptions of World War II. It wasn’t until after the war that the statue was finally cast and placed on a Portland stone plinth, inscribed with lines from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem "Godiva." Initially, the statue faced south but was rotated to face west during construction in 1989. It once had a canopy, but that was removed in 2008.

So, next time you’re in Coventry, take a moment to appreciate this remarkable statue and the powerful story it represents. Lady Godiva’s legacy continues to live on, a true symbol of self-sacrifice for the people.

Happy travelling.