3-017-052 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Lady Godiva procession at Coventry, 1862. 'Lady Godiva was represented by Mdme. Letitia. The lady was dressed in silk fleshings [to simulate nudity], with a white satin petticoat fastened at the hips and reaching to the knees, the petticoat being profusely embroidered with silver lace. On her head she wore a countess's coronet set with brilliants, from which flowed a long white gossamer-lace veil, enveloping the whole of her person except the face and bosom; her hair was loose, and fell in large masses over her shoulders, and on her bosom she wore a large brooch in the shape of a star, composed of brilliants. She rode a milk-white steed, adorned with dark blue velvet trappings ornamented with gold, and on the four comers of the housings were large stars formed of brilliants, the other part of the trappings being similarly adorned. On each side rode a boy habited as a page, and two little girls in light blue satin dresses and hats with white plumes. After the lady came other children followers; then Leofric, Earl of Mercia, banners, pages, and followers. So great was the pressure of the crowd around her Ladyship's palfrey that it required the services of a body of strong men armed with stout cudgels to clear the way'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.