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