Nov 27 2008
Lady Godiva and Taxes
In these times of the credit crunch and possibilities of tax reductions, one is reminded of Lady Godiva. Attractive and powerful enough to make a difference, she may have tried or even succeeded in reducing taxes.
One version of the popular story says Lady Godiva took pity on the people of Coventry, who were suffering under her husband’s unfair taxation. Weary of her requests, he said he would take action if she would ride naked through the streets.
The story continues that, after issuing a proclamation that all persons should keep within doors and shut their windows, she rode through the town, clothed only in her long hair.
In a modern-sounding twist, it’s claimed a tailor (now known as Peeping Tom), disobeyed the proclamation and bored a hole in his shutters so he might see Godiva pass. Lucky the internet did not exist at the time!
