Lady Godiva

The legendary character of Lady Godiva is iconic around the world. A woman celebrated for hundreds of years in art, song, and writing. She’s even mentioned in Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. 

Coventry, the home of Lady Godiva has had a long tradition of re-enacting her famous horseback ride through the city. But only for special occasions once every 10 years or so.  

Here’s a potted history of the people who have had the (sometimes dubious) honor of riding through the streets of Coventry, pre World War Two.

NB – All the images have been coloured and enhanced.  

  • All
  • 1678 Mr Swinnerton
  • 1842 Miss Massey
  • 1848 Madame Eliza Wharton
  • 1851 Madame Cassanette
  • 1854 Miss Taylor
  • 1862 Madame Letitia
  • 1870 Miss Rose Williams
  • 1877 Miss Egerton
  • 1881 Mademoiselle Minnie Seymour
  • 1887 Mrs Smith
  • 1892 Miss Alice Sinclair
  • 1897 Miss St Leger
  • 1902 Miss Vera Guedes
  • 1907 La Milo Miss Pansy Montague
  • 1911 Miss Viola Hamilton
  • 1919 Miss Gladys Mann
  • 1929 Miss Muriel Mellerup
  • 1936 Miss Frances P Burchell