Lady Godiva

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Lady Godiva by John Collier, 1897

Lady Godiva is a historical figure who is honoured by engineers as the patron saint of engineering. She is heralded as such a saint due to her willingness to sacrifice for the sake of public good, and for her humility and dedication to society.

In the 11th century, the people of Coventry were under the rule of Earl Leofric and were being taxed harshly. Lady Godiva, Earl Leofric's wife, repeatedly asked him to lower the taxes and he eventually agreed to if she rode through the streets of town naked on a horse.

Out of respect, the townspeople averted their eyes while she rode through town, except for one man, who could not resist the temptation. This is to be said as the origination of the word ‘Peeping Tom’.

After her valiant ride through the town, Earl Leofric kept his promise and lowered the taxes.