Lady Godiva by Thistle-Rose
Lady Godiva was the wife of Leofric, the Earl of Mercia. The story goes that Lady Godiva was empathetic towards the people of Coventry due to the high taxation they had to pay. She repeatedly asked her husband to be more considerate but this still had no affect. She then claimed to Leofric that she would parade naked through the streets of Coventry if he did not address the taxation issue. He did not respond or change the taxation and so she did as she had told him. During her 'parading' Godiva asked that all people, out of respect, should not flock to see the event but simply close their windows and doors. However, one person did not respect Godiva's wsihes and he had a sneaky peek. He is simply now known as 'Peeping Tom'.So, as a result of this, there is a statue of Lady Godiva in the centre of the city. This used to be quite hidden under a huge white canopy outside the shopping centre 'Cathedral Lanes'. But recently the canopy has been removed and she can now be seen out in the open as she should be!!! There is also a clock closeby and on the hour Godiva, on horseback rides out of one door and back in through another and above appears a man who is 'peeping' as she goes. This is the legendary 'Peeping Tom'.
A pleasant stroll around the city centre and you can see the beautiful statue and if you manage to be there near the clock, on the hour, it will definitely give you a little giggle!
