"Lady Godiva: Anglo-Saxon noblewoman or Medieval legend?" Topic
7 Posts
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| Tango01 | 25 Jan 2020 12:53 p.m. PST |
"There are various different versions of Godiva's naked ride written by different authors though the years, but the most common version that has entered into legend is as follows: The people of Coventry had been inflicted with a heavy tax by the earl, Leofric. Lady Godiva, upon witnessing the plight of her people, went to her husband and begged him to relieve them of the tax. He scolded her for questioning his authority, and warned her not to ask him again. However, she refused to back down and finally her exasperated husband said, "Mount your horse naked, then ride across the town's marketplace from one end to the other, with all the people assembled, and when you return you shall have what you ask for." To Leofric's surprise, upon receiving his word the countess mounted her horse naked, as agreed. She then released her hair from her head and let it fall and cover her whole body. She commanded all the people to stay indoors, away from their windows, upon pain of death. However, as she rode across the marketplace there was one who couldn't resist looking, but it cost him his life. Godiva returned to her astonished husband who had no option but to fulfil his promise and release the people from the harsh tax…"
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Amicalement
Armand
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| JMcCarroll | 26 Jan 2020 6:47 a.m. PST |
I am no art lover, but that painting always moves me! |
| Lee John Ayre | 26 Jan 2020 1:35 p.m. PST |
Being born and raised in Coventry I'm familiar with the legend but also with the less glamorous story behind it. Allegedly she rode stripped of her finery, which meant no jewels, fancy clothes etc which would denote a woman of high status ( not naked as we think of it today).
The full naked version was a later invention as was Peeping Tom.
A courageous and principled woman either way. |
| Tango01 | 26 Jan 2020 3:29 p.m. PST |
Thanks!.
Amicalement
Armand
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| Henry Martini | 29 Jan 2020 7:30 p.m. PST |
'A courageous and principled woman' who had someone murdered for the heinous crime of viewing her in whatever state of dress/undress she promenaded… if the legend is to be trusted. |
| Tango01 | 30 Jan 2020 1:14 p.m. PST |
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| Tango01 | 04 Apr 2020 12:52 p.m. PST |
Hope to see it painting …
Amicalement
Armand
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