Lady Godiva
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Leofric was Earl of Mercia. At some point he married a woman named Godgifu ("God's Gift") whose name has come down to us in legend as '''Lady Godiva'''. She is most famously known for her legendary ride while naked through Coventry to protest her husband's high taxes on the populace. That this could have actually occurred is very doubtful. It is not noted by any contemporary chronicler and it would have been quite newsworthy certainly. The story is first recited about 200 years after her probable death. | Leofric was Earl of Mercia. At some point he married a woman named Godgifu ("God's Gift") whose name has come down to us in legend as '''Lady Godiva'''. She is most famously known for her legendary ride while naked through Coventry to protest her husband's high taxes on the populace. That this could have actually occurred is very doubtful. It is not noted by any contemporary chronicler and it would have been quite newsworthy certainly. The story is first recited about 200 years after her probable death. | ||
| − | Leofric and Godiva founded the monastery at Coventry. | + | Some sources say that Leofric and Godiva founded the monastery at Coventry, others that they expanded one which was already there. |
It is alleged that Aelfgar who is known from the ASC entry below to be Leofric's son, was also Godgifu's son. Aelfgar was made Earl of East Anglia in 1051, he succeeded his father upon the later's death in 1057 (ASC pg 188), but didn't enjoy his Earldom long, as he is said-to-have died in 1059. | It is alleged that Aelfgar who is known from the ASC entry below to be Leofric's son, was also Godgifu's son. Aelfgar was made Earl of East Anglia in 1051, he succeeded his father upon the later's death in 1057 (ASC pg 188), but didn't enjoy his Earldom long, as he is said-to-have died in 1059. | ||
