Godgifu, Lady Godiva
died between 1066 and 1086
Lady Godiva, also known as Godgifu in Old English, was a late Anglo-Saxon noblewoman who lived during the 11th century. She was married to Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and is documented as a patron of churches and monasteries. Her name appears in various charters and the Domesday Book, indicating her prominence in that era.
Godiva and her husband Leofric were known for their generosity towards religious institutions. In 1043, Leofric founded a Benedictine monastery at Coventry, with Godiva credited as a persuasive influence in this act. Together, they made donations to other religious houses, including those at Worcester, Lincolnshire, Leominster, Chester, Much Wenlock, and Evesham.
The legend of Lady Godiva's naked ride through Coventry is a story that emerged in the 13th century. According to the tale, she rode unclothed, covered only by her long hair, to persuade her husband to reduce oppressive taxes on his tenants. This story has been embellished over time, including the addition of 'Peeping Tom,' a voyeur who was struck blind or dead for watching her ride.
Historical records do not mention such an event during her lifetime. Instead, Godiva is recognized for her piety and contributions to religious causes. Her name, meaning 'gift of God,' was common at the time, and she was one of the few women to remain a major landholder after the Norman Conquest.
Godiva's charitable acts included donating precious metal works and a valuable necklace to Coventry, as well as a chasuble to St Paul's Cathedral. Her wealth was acknowledged long after her death, with her name appearing in the mortuary roll of Saint Vitalis of Savigny in 1122.
After Leofric's death in 1057, Godiva lived on until her mid-fifties. Her burial place is debated, with some sources suggesting she was interred at the Church of the Blessed Trinity at Evesham, while others claim she was buried alongside her husband at Coventry.
Lady Godiva died sometime between 1066 and 1086, likely in her mid-fifties. Her lands were redistributed after her death, marking the end of her direct influence.
Notable events
- 1043Leofric founded a Benedictine monastery at Coventry, with Godiva credited as a persuasive force.
- 1050sGodiva and Leofric's names appeared on a grant of land to the monastery of St. Mary, Worcester.
- 1057Leofric, Earl of Mercia, died, leaving Godiva as a widow.
- 1066-1086Godiva died sometime between these years, after the Norman Conquest.
- 1086Godiva's former lands were listed as held by others in the Domesday Book.
- 1122Godiva and Leofric's names were commemorated in the mortuary roll of Saint Vitalis of Savigny.
- 13th centuryThe legend of Lady Godiva's naked ride was first recorded.
- 1656William Dugdale stated a window with representations of Leofric and Godiva was placed in Trinity Church, Coventry.
- 1792Lady Godiva was depicted on the reverse of a Coventry halfpenny Conder token.
- 1854A marble statue of Lady Godiva by William Calder Marshall was exhibited at the Royal Academy.
Other details
Death: Died between 1066 and 1086, likely in her mid-fifties; burial place debated between Evesham and Coventry.
Children: 9; Ælfgar
Marriages: Leofric, Earl of Mercia.