12 Historical "Facts" That Simply Aren't True

3. Lady Godiva Did Not Ride Naked On Horseback Through The Streets Of Coventry... But She Did Plead For Her Husband To Reduce Taxes

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Lady Godiva was an 11th-Century Anglo-Saxon noblewoman - but there is no evidence at all that she rode through the streets of Coventry naked, only covering her bosoms with her long red locks. She did most certainly object to her wicked husband, Leofic, Earl of Mercia, and his ridiculously-high tax prices - but she did not protest against them by stripping down and riding on horseback.

The first account of this tale does not appear until 1236, long after Godiva had died. Interestingly, the term "Peeping Tom" - used to refer to voyeurs - also originates from later tellings of the legend of Godiva supposedly riding through Coventry stark naked.

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NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.