If you remember the legend. In the year of our lord 1040, or perhaps it was 1057, the people of Coventry were crushed by heavy taxes imposed by their Lord, Leofric the Dane, Count of Chester, to finance his wars. His young wife, moved by the poverty of the people, implored him to reduce the charges. Knowing that she was extremely prudish, he threw down a challenge which he was sure she would never accept. To cross the town on horse back, covered by nothing but her long hair. Lady Godiva agreed ,on condition that her husband should never impose a tax again and that the people stayed cloistered at home with doors and shutters closed. This legendary tale has been illustrated many times in paintings, tapestries, sculpture and literature.