The Naked Truth on Lady Godiva and Her Nude Ride to Help the Poor

Lady Godiva was an English noblewoman who lived during the 11th century AD. Although she belonged to the upper class, she had a reputation for being sympathetic towards the less fortunate and was known to have been a charitable person. It was due to her concern for the poor that the most famous legend about Lady Godiva arose. As a matter of fact, it is due to this legend, in which the noblewoman rode through the town on horseback completely naked, that Lady Godiva lives in our memories till this day.

Who was Lady Godiva?

‘Godiva’ is said to be the Latinized form of the Old English name ‘Godgyfu’ or ‘Godgifu’, which may be translated literally to mean ‘God’s gift’ or ‘good gift’. Little is known about the early life of Lady Godiva – when and where she was born, who her parents were, etc.

In fact, the historical Lady Godiva survived in the records thanks to her husband, Leofric, the Earl of Mercia. Leofric was one of the most powerful English noblemen who lived during the 11th century. When the English king, Cnut, died in 1035, Leofric was a supporter of Harold I, known also as Harold Harefoot, who became the king of England. In 1051, it was thanks to Leofric that civil war was avoided, as the earl was able to resolve the conflict between King Edward the Confessor and Earl Godwin of Gloucester before the two sides met each other in battle.