In 11th century England, lived a noblewoman named Lady Godiva. She settled in the town of Coventry with her husband, Leofric, the Earl Of Mercia, who soon became involved in the governing of the town, with specific responsibility for financial matters. Lady Godiva paid particular attention to matters of art, education and religion, and was founder of the towns monastery in 1043. The town prospered around the monastery but the people suffered hardship as a result of the high taxes imposed by Leofric. Lady Godiva became a campaigner against these taxes and continually pleaded with her husband to reduce them.

Leofric was adamant that the taxes could not be lowered and refused to give in to his wife. Their continual debates on the subject became something of a sport to Leofric and being a fun loving man he eventually conceded that he would indeed lower the taxes on the day that his wife, a well respected lady in the community, rode her horse naked through the towns market square in full view of all the people.

Such was Lady Godiva's commitment to her cause that she sought to clarify her husbands challenge and ensured firstly that she had Leofric's permission to do such a thing, and secondly that he would keep his promise to lower the taxes if she did. He assured her that not only would he reduce the taxes but would remove them altogether if she accepted his dare, not fully believing that she would do it.

The scene was set, and Godiva announced the details of the challenge to the towns people, telling them that she accepted the dare, and giving them the time and date that it would take place. She would ride through the streets, completely naked, during the middle of the day. Her route would take her through the towns market square, on market day, when the square was at its busiest. There would be no doubt as to her commitment to lowering the towns taxes for the people of Coventry, or her sacrifice on their behalf.

As the day approached, people went about their normal business and the market was held as usual. There must have been a sense of anticipation as the time approached as to whether Godiva would actually do it, and whether Leofric would keep his word if she did. As the sun approached its midday point over the bustling 11th century English town of Coventry, Lady Godiva set off on her journey that would go down in history. Two other women accompanied Godiva, both were normally dressed and on horse back, riding on either side of her. Godiva was completely naked as promised, not even wearing any jewellery so that there could be no dispute over the her completion of the dare.

The three women rode through the narrow cobbled streets towards the market square at a normal pace and with no attempt to hide Godiva's nudity from anyone they passed. Godiva rode with dignity and poise, her head held high and her hair swept back. She was confident and unashamed. Many of the towns people were in awe of her. They had never seen such a dignified lady so completely naked and many appreciated her beauty. Certainly, they must all have acknowledged her bravery, as it was not normal for a woman of such nobility to expose herself in such a way among the common people.

As the three horses approached the busy market square with its noisy market stalls and crowds of traders an eerie silence fell across the square and gasps could be heard from the crowd. A route through the market square was cleared as the crowds parted and Lady Godiva, with her two companions, made her way through. If her heart was pounding and her nerves were trembling she did not show it. She sat up straight and looked relaxed and composed, demonstrating the accomplished horse woman that she was. The crowd looked on with admiration and respect as they made space for the horses to pass. Being elevated by her horse, everyone present saw the full extent of her nudity and her dedication and commitment to her cause.

These events are recorded in history, and records show that Leofric was indeed forced to keep his word and abolish the excessive taxes that he had imposed. Only a duty on horses, imposed before Leofric took control of the towns financial affairs, remained. Later versions of the story indicate that Lady Godiva had long flowing hair which was carefully positioned to preserve her modesty, although this was probably added by embarrassed churchmen and teachers who were uncomfortable describing Godiva's nudity. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Lady Godiva had long hair and to think that it would stay in place requires a stretch of the imagination. No historians can deny that Lady Godiva was completely naked and the terms of the dare indicate that the taxes would not have been abolished if she was not seen to be naked.

Interestingly, a legend has grown from this story, again with no historical evidence, and widely acknowledged as being made up in the 17th century, of "peeping Tom".

The legend goes that Lady Godiva asked everyone in the town to stay indoors and look away as she passed. Everyone complied out of respect for her and her cause, except for a tailor named Thomas who couldn't resist peeping. For his sins he was apparently struck blind, some say killed, but became known as "peeping Tom" which is a term still used today.

The later additions to the story detract from the daring courage and spirit of adventure exhibited by Lady Godiva in her dedication to her cause. This dedication and selflessness, has inspired many women throughout the ages and in recent times women have stripped naked in public to draw attention to a particular cause, proclaiming to do so in the spirit of Lady Godiva.