Around 1050 in Coventry England Leofric, Lord of Mercia imposed heavy taxes and tolls upon his subjects. His wife, Godgifu was aghast on the level of the taxes and tolls. She appealed repeatedly to Leofric to be more far in his collection process and rates.
Eventually had enough of her entreaties and put forth a bluff thinking that his honorable wife felt so strong to call his bluff. Leofric said he would grant her request if she would strip and ride through the town of Coventry upon her horse. She called his bluff and announced that she would ride through town clothed in nothing but her long hair. Out of respect for Lady Godiva (Godgifu…her name in old English) and why she was doing the ride, the citizens closed their shutters and turned away from looking toward the horse.
In an annual celebration and telling her story in the classroom Coventry England continues to honor her ride and identification with the common person.
All except the town’s tailor, turned their back. The tailor’s name became renown and his name has been forever linked to a common term that continues forward in our modern age and in our laws….Peeping Tom.
Reflective Wanderings - Reflections on various topics that arise out of my personal, life and professional experiences. There are also are some family related news, travels and pictures.
2 comments:
An interesting tidbit of useless information that I can hardly wait to tell Nathan. He loves this kind of triva that he uses on other people in a masterful way in conversations with friends, his teachers and adults alike.
I never knew that before. Great story.
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