This is the statue of Lady Godiva, the symbol of Coventry, in the centre of Coventry. Lady Godiva is said to have ridden naked through Coventry to save the people of the city from an unfair tax. She is therefore seen as symbolic of people who sacrifice themselves for the interests of others.

This theme, which is intended for children in the middle years of schooling, asks them to assess how likely that the story is true, and why it has lasted for nearly 1000 years. It also looks at the ways in which people today participate to help others by doing voluntary activities. Sometimes this involves raising money by being sponsored to do something difficult or embarrassing.

At the time Godiva was alive, the Vikings were raiding England; at the end of the theme you will find a link to work on identity in Norwegian schools - if Godiva identifies Coventry, do the Norwegians still think of themselves as Vikings?

You may like to

Look at whether Lady Godiva really rode through Coventry naked

Look at the Coventry City website, which shows the current version of the Godiva logo

Look at how people nowadays put themselves out to help others