Evesham hijacks Lady Godiva legend...

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Evesham hijacks Lady Godiva legend...

Postby dutchman » Tue Jan 25, 2011 6:15 pm

Since 1949, a statue of Lady Godiva has been a centrepiece in Coventry.

Image

Just a few streets away, a house next to the cathedral, boasts a plaque stating that she is buried nearby, alongside her husband Lord Leofric.

The historic figure, made famous for the legend of riding naked through Coventry to persuade Leofric to lower taxes, is a symbol for the city.

But now a slab questioning her burial place has been installed in Evesham, over 35 miles away.

Porch burial

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Many people in Coventry believe Lady Godiva is buried under one of the porches of Coventry Cathedral, but the claim from the Worcestershire town has thrown this into question.

Hugh Jones, from the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, clarified: "Nobody knows for certain where she's buried.

"There's evidence from her chronicler William of Malmesbury who said she was buried in her church with Leofric in Coventry. So it's always been thought that she was."

Evesham paving slab

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Historians in Evesham are now claiming Lady Godiva may be buried there. They have supported the creation of a heritage pavement slab, using a Lady Godiva figure designed by Ned Haywood.

David Snowdon, from Evesham Historical Society, says they have records that show her resting place could be in Evesham Abbey.

However, he told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire he understands why the issue is confusing historians: "It would be logical to assume that she was laid to rest next to her husband, but on the other hand she built large parts of Evesham, largely by herself.

"She chose it as her place of retirement so it's not impossible that she would have been laid to rest where she retired, in one of the churches that she built herself."

Back in Coventry, Mr Jones summarises the dilemma: "Unless actually one day somebody finds her grave, there's never going to be definite proof either way."

:bbc_news:


They'll be claiming to have won the FA Cup in 1987 next! :fuming:
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