Godiva, Lady b. September 5, 990 d. September 10, 1067 Folk Figure. Though some facts remain shrouded in mystery, she has come down to us as an English noblewoman who allegedly rode naked thru the streets of Coventry to protest her husband's tax policies. Undisputedly, Lady Godiva was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, "Godiva" being a Latin version of the Old English name "Godgifu", meaning "gift of God". The couple appear in numerous records of the time and were quite wealthy, sponsoring multiple religious institutions including, in 1043, the...[Read More] (Bio by: Bob Hufford) Benedictine Monastery, Coventry, Warwickshire, England
Leofric, Earl of Mercia d. September 30, 1057 Folk Figure. Earl of Mercia, husband of Lady Godiva. He was awarded the earldom of Mercia by King Cnut following the death of the first Earl, Eadric, in 1017. As Earl of Mercia he was second in importance only to Earl Godwin of Wessex. He was a loyal supporter of Edward the Confessor, who succeeded Cnut's unpopular son, Harthacanute, in 1043, and helped raise an army to halt the hostile advance of Earl Godwin in 1051. The dispute was settled by diplomatic means, however, and Godwin was sent...[Read More] (Bio by: js) Benedictine Monastery, Coventry, Warwickshire, England
Parker, Charles Edward Haydon b. March 10, 1870 d. December 5, 1918 2nd Boer War Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he served as a Sergeant in Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, British Army. In actions at Korn Spruit South Africa, on March 31, 1900, a British force including two batteries of the Royal Horse Artillery, was retiring from Thabanchu towards Bloemfontein when the enemy formed an ambush. When the alarm was given that the guns and their limbers to be run back by hand to a safe place, Sergeant Parker with two comrades succeeded in...[Read More] (Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith) London Road Cemetery, Coventry, Warwickshire, England
The Charred Cross Blitz memorial, international symbol of peace and reconciliation. When Coventry Cathedral was destroyed in the bombing raids of 1940, Reverend Howard commissioned "Jock" Forbes, the Cathedral stone mason, to fashion and altar from the rubble and a cross from two charred oak roof beams. The words "father forgive us" were inscribed on the wall behind the new memorial to serve as a reminder of the futility of war. Coventry has since become known as the reconciliation centre of the world, with the...[Read More] (Bio by: js) Coventry Cathedral (old), Coventry, Warwickshire, England Plot: Chancel.
Ure, Mary b. February 18, 1933 d. April 3, 1975 Actress. English actress that starred in "Were Eagles Dare" and "A Reflection of Fear." She was found to be enchantingly beautiful, luminous blond. She died on April 3rd 1975, following a disastrous opening night on a London stage at the age of 42. Her death was listed as an accidental overdose of whisky and tranquillizers or suicide. She left behind 6 children. (Bio by: David) London Road Cemetery, Coventry, Warwickshire, England
b. October 5, 1895 d. September 23, 1966
