Why She Rode Naked Through The Streets | Lady Godiva

[@margarethinton3840]

My London born grandmother told me this story when I was a child in the 1930s - while I lived in San Francisco - and her version was that Lady Godiva rode 'naked' through the streets - but her nakedness was because she rode without any jewelry - therefore she was 'naked.' According to my grandmother, no wealthy woman would be seen in public without wearing jewelry. Whatever the 'truth' of the story is, I enjoyed her telling it.

[@abstractascape]

Hi, I am one of lady Godivas descendants. My Gran and her sister researched our family tree over 20 years ago, they have both passed now. It was fascinating to see who we were related to in history. I now have the family tree. We were all amazed!

[@satiainelda9459]

I'm also one of her descendants. Hi cousin!

[@susanfurner1988]

I'm another cousin of yours !!! 😃

[@qtbrniis]

I'm another descendant, cousin! Wasn't all that interested when I found out years ago, but now I'm actively doing research myself.

[@nancycampbell8671]

Mind blown to see comments from Godiva's descendants! When I was in my early 20s I read The Wind From Hastings. The book looks at the years leading up to and the 1066 invasion of England by William the Conqueror through the eyes of Ealdgyth, or Edith of Mercia. She was presented as a descendant of Lady Godiva. The mystery of what happened to her after Harold Godwinson's death is what started my lifelong love of English history.

[@cassandraadams9618]

And me as well. Hello cousins.

[@LotsofLisa]

I had no idea the term “Peeping Tom” came from the Godiva tale nor did I realize she lived so long ago. Great story and storytelling. I always wonder what’s true and false though. What’s that saying about the victors/ winners get to write the history?

[@sunitafisher4758]

🌸 my grandma told me that ages ago Lovely legend

[@MJK1965]

Yep

[@laurenstaab1008]

@Gary Allen why be so patronizing?

[@christopherellis2663]

Deprived childhood

[@rosebudadkins6803]

I had read that somewhere about “ peeping Tom”. There is always a kernel of truth in stories. I am Indigenous and we are an oral tradition of stories, history, etc.

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

I have known about the legend of Lady Godiva for as long as I can remember but never the story, this was amazing, one of those videos that I am going to watch twice :)

[@ForgottenLives]

Thanks BC :)

[@dolphinschild62]

Thank you so much for keeping their stories alive and not forgotten.

[@ForgottenLives]

Thanks for watching:)

[@lindamcdonald7985]

I was born and raised as child in Coventry. The statue of lady Godiva is in the town square. Also the town clock chimes every hour with lady Godiva rotating around the clock. Peeping Tom was the main character in the story.

[@1967clem]

The only time I ever saw the rotating clock stopped was when City won the FA Cup in 1987. People climbed on the balcony and sat on the horse, which stopped it rotating during the victory parade round Broadgate......! 🏆⚽

[@michaelbindner9883]

I am descended from Godiva (and William) through my twice great grandmother, Mahalah Ann Eastman, descended from Hezekiah Root. Branches of both the Allen and Eastman families branch from Arkona, Ontario - which is one hour east of Detroit. A tiny enclave where two of the noble families of England reunited.

[@happygolucky7241]

I was fascinated with Lady Godiva growing up to ironically working at Godiva Chocolates a decade ago.😊🍫🍮

[@darriendastar3941]

As ever, absolutely fascinating. Your re-telling of the story - and then explanation of how it came about was simply perfect. Many thanks :-)

[@ForgottenLives]

Thank you 😊

[@shroomyk]

I think you are probably right that the legend has roots in a pagan fertility story or even a ritual. It was fairly common to have young females act as a representation of fertility goddesses in dances and such, so I can even see it maybe being an old tradition they might have practiced more than once. That being said, I will choose to continue to love it as it was told anyway.

[@Sorchia56]

Absolutely brilliant telling of all the different versions! The “peeping Tom” being the icing on the cake. Thank you.

[@CrustyUgg]

I have this painting in my living room. I had no idea who she was or the story behind it! Glad I came across this video

[@composing-chaos]

Her story is the definition of a “creative nonfiction”. A factual story with tasty added elements in the telling.

[@pamelaanders6286]

I have found and believe that ALL legends have at least a grain of truth to them. They would never last if not.

[@brandona8393]

I love hearing from Forgotten Lives! I just adore your accent.

[@ForgottenLives]

Thank you :)

[@jadebrock6449]

She didn't ride in her birthday suit my mum explained to me. To be naked in those days would mean to be without your finery (rich person's attire.) My family are born in Coventry I'm 3/4th generation. So the legand about this beautiful lady fasinated me.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Exactly She was clothed, just not as clothed as society dictated Not wearing a hat was sometimes said to “be going about naked”!

[@susangavaghan]

Fascinating. I had of course heard of the legend of Lady Godiva and I presumed it was true. Whether true or not it is a beautiful story. I love the painting depicting her with long, dark hair.

[@rehanasuboor4964]

Thank you so much for enlighting us on Lady Godiva. Very intresting and amazing story.

[@bernardogui3607]

The engineering students at the University of British Columbia used to have an annual Lady Godiva Ride. A naked woman would ride horseback through the campus, accompanied by a throng of engineering students. This was an old tradition but was eventually banned.

[@julien.4617]

It's always great to hear the almost unknown real story of a legend. Thank you!

[@angelbabysqueaky3985]

Another great job on a person. You always have a wonderful stories about people. Thank you.

[@christinereilly3699]

"Legends are stories that ring with truth".....Queen Eleanor from Brave

[@debshreebhattacharya5807]

Perhaps. But can you find that grain of one truth in a heap of lies where every lie seems to be the truth in their arrangement?

[@cindybogart6062]

This was a wonderful story. I knew about her but not the story that went with it. Very interesting.

[@mfollett3613]

Coventry has been a City since 1345, when King Edward III granted a City Charter. I've read through dozens of possible versions of the story. My opinion is that she dressed as a peasant, so she was "naked" of her impressive clothing and jewellery including the girdle (the long, loose belt which rich women wore). I don't think there was a "Peeping Tom", but it makes a good folk tale. There is a Lady Godiva clock near the statue, and a model of her comes out, going aroung a semi-circular track, with Tom overlooking! A canopy had to be erected over the large statue near the cathedral, because pigeons were using it as a toilet! It is a much loved statue in the City.❤️❤️❤️

[@aliciamckray500]

I grew up in Coventry and had fond memories of the Godiva festival

[@ForgottenLives]

Sounds awesome!

[@Raaaissa]

You should do a recovery for the history of Ana de Mendoza, she was practically the “Tomoe Gozen” of Spain, but her figure is not as popular, and as a latin woman, it would be lovely to hear and acknowledge more about fierce women like her :)

[@melaniejones7335]

Lady Godiva is a very famous tale. It is nice to hear more information about her life

[@brightwhitelight9445]

Just found your channel today & my goodness how you look like Elvis Presley. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the historical records of Lady Godiva. Thanks 👍

[@amyferguson8856]

Visually beautiful and wonderfully narrated.

[@ForgottenLives]

Thanks very much! Appreciate it !

[@bobbyrutherford9359]

I always look forward to his new uploads because they are very good researched and narrated I have never been disappointed with his great videos

[@ladynikkie]

I don't know too much about her except for that legend of her writing naked to protest unfair taxes that was it but I'm glad you made a video explaining more

[@ForgottenLives]

Hope you enjoyed!

[@addieresendiz9465]

Thank u so much for these videos! I’m obsessed!

[@mariekitty]

Fascinating! Wonder how much of it is true? Thank you for sharing Lady Godiva’s story and legend.

[@ELKE-]

Really admire you FLives. Your effort with great research histories on your channel, is simple amazing! Loved this video as many others you made. Thank you so much! Wishing you Merry Christmas🎅🏻🧚🏻‍♀

[@ForgottenLives]

Thanks as usual have a great Christmas 🎄

[@ELKE-]

@@ForgottenLives No problem! Thank you

[@janetcw9808]

Merry Christmas 🤶

[@ELKE-]

@@janetcw9808 Good morning dear Janet! Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and yours🎅🏻🎄🧚🏻‍♀ Happy safe holidays🌻

[@denisestevens2540]

Godhifu was my 33rd Great Grandmother ♡ her Legacy and ancestry can be traced from Mercia through Royalty in Wales the Llywelyns to descendants of the Magna Carte Barrons in England to the Monarch of today.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

Good one, I always learn something new! Have a happy and safe holiday!

[@TinkersTales]

The version I know, was that there was no decree on the people to stay indoors. They did this as a sign of respect, as Lady Godiva had previously opposed her husband's taxes. Thomas' wife snitched on him for looking, although I have also heard that he was checking to see if she had already passed, and that he was the first person to leave their home.

[@bettyjames4155]

Thank you for sharing so many stories about interesting people.

[@ForgottenLives]

Thanks for all the support!!! :)

[@slashinachris]

So it took me a few days, but I finally watched every single video! I really LOVE your channel. I enjoy listening to your voice and hearing about all these people history has forgotten. I have a suggestion for you: Milunka Savic(h), a Serbian war veteran and most-decorated female in history of war. She was kinda like irl Mulan.

[@sheilayoung8007]

Amazing story! I never knew her history! Thank you FL as always! More Christmas to you and a blessed New Year!

[@ForgottenLives]

Thanks very much:)

[@pinklady3885]

I like to think that this story is true. How exhilarating to ride naked on a horse. Thank you for your excellent research and narration.

[@ForgottenLives]

Thanks as always 😁

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Exhilarating?

[@tinyGrim1]

Ohh, so glad you did one of her . Awesome ❣️

[@grapeshot]

Anybody remember that song The Streak?

[@13lilsykos]

I always wondered if the Streak went crazy and started streaking because he was from the sleepy little town of Pascagoula. After he head everything Sister Bertha had to say that day, it probably just drove him plumb crazy.

[@hkbabel]

Thank you and happy holidays ! 🎄

[@raya7256]

Superb work! Thanks for doing it for us 🙏

[@Agapy8888]

Yesssss. Lady Godiva. Thanks. P.S. always appreciate the captions.

[@ForgottenLives]

My pleasure!

[@mehchocolate1257]

@@ForgottenLives isn't she the inventor of Godiva chocolates

[@bettyjames4155]

Hi there Ayape!

[@Agapy8888]

@@bettyjames4155 Hey Betty. Finally got the real story of Lady Godiva. Gnight. Sleep well. You are off tonight?

[@bettyjames4155]

@@Agapy8888 I am off tonight. I've always wanted to hear her real story.

[@zero_bs_tolerance8646]

Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you!

[@amvanleeuwen594]

Happy Holidays and thanks for all the good vids and stories!

[@ForgottenLives]

Likewise and thanks for the support!

[@gonefishing167]

Isn’t it interesting how names /sayings are passed down through the years. Like ‘peeping Tom’. I think behind every myth or legend , there’s always a glimmer of truth there. King Arthur , Robyn Hood ( well he is real but not quite in the context we get it today). . They all start somewhere 👵👵👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@nobbynoris]

"Why she rode naked through the streets"? If you had ever been to Coventry you would know that this question answers itself. Coventry is the most soulless, boring epicentre in the UK. It looks like a car park. The whole city does. It is so bleak that it makes Milton Keynes look like Bradford_on_Avon by comparison. And this is today, with all of our modern distractions of TV, PC gaming, internet, hard and soft drugs etc. Our forebears of the 10th C had none of those, just the odd jar of ale, the odd fumble in the dark and the occasional root vegetable as a bonus. Spend any extended amount of time in Coventry and I guarantee you this: there will come a night, some weeks or months into your residency, when you will find yourself stumbling through the pedestrian precinct (yeah, there are no streets in the town centre) naked except for a Comic Relief red nose (even though it isn't Comic Relief Day) and a bright pink, luminous, outsized strap-on. If the city has really broken you, you may also be able to boast a radish up your rectum. You won't be able to explain any of this. When the police pick you up they will be easygoing because they've seen this so many times before. The city has got to you. That is all. It gets to everyone.

[@joyce3003]

Lmao what did I just read

[@Sorchia56]

You had me roaring with laughter with your first sentence! So true. Drive through folks, don’t stop! You’ll go mental in 24 hours or once you’ve become sober! 😂😂

[@susanmccormick6022]

I have visited Coventry & the old cathedral & also Milton Keynes,home of the infamous concrete cows & also Birmingham.There r some interesting buildings in B & C,but a city girl I am not!From The Beautiful South which will always be home.

[@owenshebbeare2999]

Blame Hitler, the Fat Controller (Göring), and the Luftwaffe, who bombed the crap out of many cities, only to see them replaced with utterly soulless brutalist crap by mostly Labour governments trying to emulate their hero, Stalin. Ok, that's a tad simplistic, but I sticking with it.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

What a sad commentary on human life in the 21st century. That you could come up with it, even sadder.

[@donnalowe9334]

Sacred Divine Feminine - fighting for her people. Sweet! Women have such conviction & suffer for other's feelings. Beautiful trait.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

The sacred Divine fights for His ppl with conviction, having suffered for them and rose again so that we might also. Choose ye today.

[@wendigo1919]

@@YeshuaKingMessiah lol

[@juanitarichards1074]

There is also another tale from medieval times about a noble woman married to a noble man who was spied upon in her bath......I have a painting of a knight on horseback which has to do with this legend - believed to be factual. The knight has a dragon coming out the top of his helmet.........the knight was either royal or close to royal. I can't read all the emblems and badges on the painting, which is very famous and has something to do with the scandal of his wife bathing naked where men could look upon her through cracks in the doors and walls. I have seen an analysis of the painting somewhere but can't remember where.

[@susanmccormick6022]

Juanita,r u thinking of Melusine?

[@juanitarichards1074]

@@susanmccormick6022 Might be.....I can't quite remember

[@sabaribanerjee1925]

Thank you very much,enlighted

[@kellyb1420]

I appreciate your videos so much. Happy Holidays to you and your family. 🙏❤️🙏

[@ForgottenLives]

Thanks you too!

[@LouieLibbyDove]

Elvis with a British accent! Great video, thanks! 😃

[@stacyjd2759]

Such a kind woman!

[@karlachilders1145]

Wonderful research and presentation!

[@nancyM1313]

Thank you Flives🇺🇸❤

[@ahulaga8466]

lovely video! thank you

[@ryancang3627]

As a kid I learned about her story printed on the box of Godiva chocolates.

[@chimpinaneckbrace]

Imagine being famous with access to a Time Machine. You go 1000 years into the future only to find out a crazy legend has grown up around your life, “Hey! You’re the famous X! You made a witch angry and she turned your genitalia into a toad!” “What?! That didn’t happen!” “It must have happened. We have a statue of it in our town square.”

[@MultiMoo20]

Loved it! Learned so much I did not know! Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!! 🎁🎄❤️

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

That's why Godivas chocolate . It's like the chocolate was too delicious to deny. So Tom could not resist looking!

[@houseofvanity8]

Come thru lady Godiva

[@alesiahowington5507]

Thank you for the video!!!

[@Heaux722]

Does anyone else hear the queen lyric “LADY GODVIVA” Freddie Mercury screaming it every time they hear Lady gadiva 😂 Edit : also, I love these videos! So much work is put into these and you can tell!

[@xRemRooodx]

I was thinking the same thing! :D

[@brookannenorris6442]

And now I'm singing it lol

[@psychedelicpayroll5412]

I first learned about her from the song by The Velvet Underground called Lady Godivas Operation.

[@junkmalme]

Hello. I appreciate your content and am making KZbin aware. Thanks foe your work!

[@ForgottenLives]

Thank you!

[@MJK1965]

Lady Godiva was a freedom rider. She didn't care if the whole world looked.

[@tritzispoosa]

Seems like she cared for the well being of others. Interesting story.

[@dreadshinobi]

Because she was a freedom rider she didn't care if the whole world looked

[@eleniasimop]

When I was very young I had watched a movie about her.

[@archeewaters]

excellent research! thanks

[@blkirishbeauty]

I went house boating once and the name of our boat was Lady Godiva!

[@twistanturnu529]

Tis a good day when you upload

[@alyssahernandez1055]

Suggestion for video on buducca or boadicea. Unsure how to spell her name. Celtic Queen who fought against three Romans.

[@tobyeperkins5301]

Never knew she was real. Merry Christmas!

[@jacquelineredstone4487]

you straight up look like aladdin and i am here for ittttttttt

[@ForgottenLives]

😁

[@randomvintagefilm273]

What a fun story, so Tailor Tom is the Peeping Tom! It is very possible this happened.

[@makeupboss3568]

This was an interesting story . I think it’s quite possible that there’s a substantial possibility that it’s true .

[@QuEeNMeRaNdA]

Wow, that was interesting. Pretty cool how the likely truth compares

[@Theturtleowl]

My braincells: *I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva!*

[@merlin0215]

Thank you.

[@teamridgeback]

Loved It and Happy Christmas Forgotten ❤️😝

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

A happy Christmas and a blessed 2022 for you and yours if you have someone :)

[@dsanders755]

Interesting. Blessings

[@janetcw9808]

Seasons Greetings to you, all you love and followers Worldwide Xxx 🙏🏼 ❤️ 🗺️ 🍀

[@ForgottenLives]

You too! Many thanks:)

[@HistoriaenCeluloide]

Aprendí sobre esta historia gracias a un episodio de la serie de Cartoon Network, llamada Time Squad 🧐

[@mychiawatros4904]

Omfg the show the last kingdom w jason momoa is abt this shit what I'm so glad i stumbled upon this!!!

[@windrock]

What is the name of the film clips you show throughout please?

[@CherylSimser]

Fact or truth, this is a great story! :)🐴

[@Graptopetalum]

Blindness can be a symptom of syphilis and is also a side effect of some of the early treatments for it. This may be the source of the myth that masturbation can cause blindness. The story about peeping Tom going blind may be related to this.

[@badarock177]

I want to believe it was true. She was a pious lady.

[@melissagerber7231]

Much to my surprise, I found Godive and Leofric on my family tree.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Leofric There’s a name!

[@cathylatorre3349]

Legend legend what makes you think it’s a legend if everybody knows about it I was not a legend who could even think of such a thing probably more truth than the news no doubt about that it’s still you did a great job

[@rhythmictiger]

I remember reading as well that "naked" in that time may have just inferred that she wasn't wearing jewellery?

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Or some other socially deemed article(s).

[@bobbibacha]

This was me in my past life I feel

[@mariateresalopez9833]

I knew she had exited, but, never knew she was married or had a child. You mentioned, her name, had several connotations. For instance: God give or giveth, if this is true, meaning, God had put her there for a reason, is she part of The Holy Grail story? She lived so long or perhaps not. She's so impeccably young, smooth & silky, not a trace of wrinkles or aging, no imperfections, anywhere on her body. If not a participant of The Holy Grail Legend, could it be safe to say, she strikes a remarkable, resemblance to the lady, Venus De Milo. Can two people be in two places, at the same time?! The Goddess, is also naked, and standing on a conch or seashell, presenting her to the world, as a precious "jewel/gem". Pure, pristine, no blemishes or imperfections. She's a masterpiece, painted by an Italian painter of The Renaissance period. Am I seeing things?! Or is history, playing tricks on me. It's feeceable she was in England and later, traveled to Italy. Or perhaps, not?! You kept me know, what you think of my questions or comments. Thank you, for this story, and history lesson. I learned something. Loved your program. m.t.lopez 🤗☺️🙂😉🤭🤫🤔🤐🤨🙄🥴😵‍💫🤓🧐😕😳😮😖👻🤖

[@lizleyva1376]

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

[@carzxth]

Heaven shall burn album art. I love it