Godiva (Old English: Godgifu, "god gift"), often referred to as Lady Godiva, was an 11th-century Anglo-Saxon noblewoman who, according to a legend dating back at least to the 13th century, rode naked through the streets of Coventry in order to gain a remission of the oppressive taxation imposed by her husband on his tenants. The name "Peeping Tom" for a voyeur originates from later versions of this legend in which a man named Tom had watched her ride and was struck blind or dead.
Read more about Lady Godiva: Historical Figure, Legend, Images in Art and Society
Famous quotes containing the word lady:
“It is perfectly right for a gentleman to say “ladies and gentlemen,” but a lady should say, “gentlemen and ladies.” You mention your friend’s name before you do your own. I always feel like rebuking any woman who says, “ladies and gentlemen.” It is a lack of good manners.”
—Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)