Who was the person that rode on a white horse naked in the Middle Ages?

Answer 1

AnswerLady Godiva. Google Lady Godiva for more information. AnswerAccording to tradition, Lady Godiva was a countess of Mercia, married to Earl Leofric. She was upset because the people of Coventry were complaining about excessive taxation, and a appealed several times to Leofric to reduce their taxes. In time he got tired of her appeals and told her he would reduce the taxes when she rode naked through the town. Taking him at his word she did this.

The story as it appears in the 17th century says that Godiva ordered the people to stay inside and shutter their windows as she rode, but a certain man named Tom drilled a peep hole in his shutter and watched her pass. Though she was covered to a great extent by her long hair, he was nonetheless struck blind (or dead) for his misdeed. He is remembered from the legend as Peeping Tom.

The medieval tale differs in the respect that it has her assembling the people of Coventry to witness her ride, which she did accompanied by two knights.

Regardless of the source of the legend, Leofric reduced the taxes.

Godiva and Leofric were historical people. Godiva is particularly interesting for a couple of reasons. One is that she was a great benefactor of the public and the Church in her time, contributing much to both. Another interesting thing about her is that when Leofric died, she inherited his lands and retained them even after the Norman invasion. She was one of the few Anglo saxon land owners to retain ownership, and she is said to have been the only woman to do so.

The link below is to a Wikipedia article.