Vintage engraving of Lady Godiva preparing to ride naked on a horse through the streets of Coventry in the 11th century.
Vintage engraving print of Lady Godiva preparing to ride naked on a horse through the streets of Coventry in England. Legend has it that Godiva, an 11th century Anglo-Saxon noblewoman, made the ride after her husband Leofric, Earl of Mercia, promised to ease oppressive taxes on local people if she did so. Only her long hair is said to have protected her modesty. The story began circulating a century after Godiva's death and later versions include claims that she instructed townspeople to stay indoors with windows closed as she rode by. One man named Tom was then allegedly struck blind for peeking out of his window - giving rise to the expression "Peeping Tom". Historians agree that Leofric and Godiva existed but it is not known if the naked horse ride ever actually took place. The engraving, circa 1874 by Thomas Lewis Atkinson from a painting by Jan Van Lerius, shows Lady Godiva momentarily covering herself with a curtain as she slips out of her home and heads towards a white horse which can be seen standing outside.
Size: 5513px × 8058px
Photo credit: © Archive Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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