oventry.
She is best known for her ride, naked, though Coventry in an
attempt to lower the towns taxes. She is also the unofficial Patron
Saint of Engineers.The History of Lady Godiva and Her Relationship to Engineers
Lady Godiva of Coventry
Lady Godiva lived in
Coventry during the 11th century and was orginally known as
Godgifu. As a young women she wed Earl Leofric of Mercia, one of
four dukes who ruled England during the reign of King Canute.
Lady Godiva was herself very powerful and owned much land around
the area of Coventry.
She is best known for her ride, naked, though Coventry in an
attempt to lower the towns taxes. She is also the unofficial Patron
Saint of Engineers.
The first written account of her deeds date back to the 12th century and were recorded by the monks of St Albans Abbey. Those, and later, documents tell of how the Lady Godiva, acting upon the requests of her citizens, asked Leofric to lower the heregeld tax which was used to pay for the kings bodyguards. Leofric, angered by his wifes continuous pleas on behalf of her people, refused less she rode naked through the city while all the citizens were gathered there. Concerned for the plight of her people Godiva agreed to the request. Before heading out though, she wrote to all the leading men of Coventry to tell the citizens to look away as she rode. Because of their love and gratitude for her the citizens agreed and Godiva rode through the streets naked, except for her long her covering her, yet unseen. Leofric, a man of his word, lowered the tax and a legend was born.
One interesting twist to come out of the story was that of Peeping Tom. It was said that Tom refused Godiva's request to look away and was struck blind when he gazed upon her beauty. The account does not appear until late in the 17th century and is belived to be an adaptation of the original.
Her Relationship to Engineers
It is believed that during the first World War Canadian Military Engineers stationed in England learned about the legend of Lady Godiva. These Engineers were amazed at the committement and loyality that Godiva showed to her citizens and took her as a symbol of the virtues that an Engineer should have. Upon their return from WWI these Engineers brought with them the legend of Godiva. She has remained an everlasting symbol for Engineers not only in Canada but around the world.