It is said that Lady Godiva rode through the streets of Coventry, England so that her husband, Leofric, would reduce the taxes. In jest, Leofric stated that he would reduce taxes if she would ride unclothed on horseback at high noon through the town’s crowded marketplace. Leofric was most shocked when she agreed. One account of the story reports that the townspeople remained in their homes and, out of respect for the lady whose modesty was protected only by her long flowing hair, closed their shutters and would not look out. To his credit, Lady Godiva’s husband kept his promise and completely abolished the taxes in Coventry, except for a tax on horses that was already in place when he arrived in the area. Lady Godiva’s historic ride through the streets of Coventry was said to have occurred on a spring day, May 31, 1057.