Lady Godiva

She was married to the Earl of Mercia and Lord of Coventry, Leofric, with whom she is believed to have had one son – Aelfgar, Earl of Mercia.

While Leofric passed away in 1057, she is said to have survived for another few years, with her death occurring apparently between 1066 and 1086 during the Norman Conquest.

Her burial place is debatable – the Evesham Chronicle lists the Church of the Blessed Trinity, Evesham, as her burial site, while the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography states that she was buried at Trinity Church, Coventry.

Believed to have been born in 980AD , Lady Godiva was an English Saxon woman who rose to popularity during the Medieval Times through her historical act.

She is said to be the main driving force behind the establishment of a Benedictine monastery at Coventry by her husband, Leofric, in 1043.

Legend has it that she was a noblewoman and was concerned for the citizens of Coventry unlike her unsympathetic husband, who did not care for the welfare of his subjects.

She was completely against the heavy taxation levied on the Coventry people and requested Leofric to reduce the burden, who refused to listen despite her repeated efforts and requests.

Tired of her endless appeals, he agreed to lessen the crippling taxes provided she rode naked through the crowded marketplace.

Left with no option, she agreed to his demand and stripped off her clothes and galloped through the market square on horseback with her long flowing hair covering her body, except her legs, to help the public.

Being religious, she is credited for sponsoring the foundation of various monasteries at Chester, Evesham, Leominster, and Much Wenlock, apart from donating land for the church at Stow St. Mary, Lincolnshire.