Lady Godiva
Godiva was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. Godiva's name occurs in charters and the Domesday survey, though the spelling varies. The Old English name Godgifu or Godgyfu meant "gift of God"; Godiva was the Latinised form. Since the name was a popular one.
The legend of the nude ride is first recorded in the 13th century. Despite its considerable age, it is not regarded as plausible by modern historians. Lady Godiva took pity on the people of Coventry, who were suffering grievously under her husband's oppressive taxation. Lady Godiva appealed again and again to her husband, who obstinately refused to lower the taxes. At last, weary of her entreaties, he said he would grant her request if she would strip naked and ride on a horse through the streets of the town. Lady Godiva took him at his word, and after issuing a proclamation that all persons should stay indoors and shut their windows, she rode through the town, clothed only in her long hair. Just one person in the town, a tailor ever afterwards known as Peeping Tom, disobeyed her proclamation in what is the most famous instance of voyeurism.
Miniatures
Several figures of Lady Godiva have been released in recent decades. Both plastic (Historex 54mm) flat (Schamalkden Zinnfiguren) 28mm (Trent miniatures); Resin (Art Studio and Marco Navas). You can find a 54mm metal figure in our shop.
Several figures of Lady Godiva have been released in recent decades. Both plastic (Historex 54mm) flat (Schamalkden Zinnfiguren) 28mm (Trent miniatures); Resin (Art Studio and Marco Navas). You can find a 54mm metal figure in our shop.
