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