Lady Godiva lived in the 11th Century (about 1040 to 1080 A.D.) and was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, one of the most powerful noblemen in the land and holding many estates in Warwickshire including Coventry, inherited from Leofric who died in 1057. both Lady Godiva and the Earl were religious and genuinely wanted to do good things

Godiva first wanted to provide the peasants with art works to better their lives, but soon became aware that they were on substance living and lower taxes would be better, and kept on her husbands case so he would lower taxes and do less public art works.

Finially the Earl said: "Ascend," he said, "thy horse naked and pass thus through the city from one end to the other in sight of the people and on thy return thou shalt obtain thy request." Upon which she returned: "And should I be willing to do this, wilt thou give me leave?"
"I will," he responded.
Then the Countess Godiva got on her horse, naked, loosing her long hair which clothed her entire body except her snow white legs, and having performed the journey, seen by none, (in some stories) returned with joy to her husband who, regarding it as a miracle, thereupon granted Coventry a Charter, confirming it with his seal.