Topic categories:
(Alphabetical)

Coventry Carnivals / Godiva Processions

You need to be signed in to respond to this topic

First pagePrevious page

Displaying 106 to 107 of 107 posts

Page 8 of 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
No actionNo action
107 posts:
Order:

Helen F
Warrington
106 of 107  Tue 27th Aug 2024 4:18pm  

The only named Godiva that I can't find a single picture for is the 1887 version, but there is a description - Lady Godiva was ably impersonated by Madam Smith, of Skegness. Her robes were of rich material, designed after a sketch dated 1050. The dress was of cream satin, confined at the waist by a richly-jewelled girdle. The sleeves were of exceedingly fine linen, fitting the upper part of the arms closely, and trimmed with broad bands of gold. The outer robe, or cloak, was of lovely rich rose velvet, its shades varying in the light to pink. This was brocaded with gold and lace and the lady's fine flowing hair fell gracefully over her shoulder. She wore a coronet, a jewelled star resplendent with gems, and jewelled bracelets. Godiva was mounted on a magnificent charger of dapple grey over 17 hands in height. She's also one of the few who haven't had their first name documented either. Most of the early Godivas were from out of town, middle aged and actresses. Probably due to the unsuitable nature of the role. Some could ride and others had never been on a horse in their life. The first to be photographed was Madame Letitia 1862, although she wasn't in costume at the time. There are at least 3 sketches of her ride. One of which is shown below. Look for the prominent banner - To The Pure All Things Are Pure. Next to be photographed was Miss Annie Panton in 1866.
Local History and Heritage - Coventry Carnivals / Godiva Processions
stpauls
norfolk
107 of 107  Sat 21st Jun 2025 12:53am  

On 11th Mar 2015 3:42pm, RogerN said: For the Festival of Britain in 1951 there was an enormous procession around the city starting and finishing in Memorial Park. Near the front was going to be Lady Godiva on her horse and for months beforehand there were furious arguments in the Evening Telegraph as to who was to be Lady Godiva as she was going to have to be wearing nothing - chilly at the best of times. In the end it was not a local girl but an actress from London. I was in the procession in a historic vehicle - Lord Lonsdales shooting brake - entered by Rootes. Then up in Memorial Park for the start I was about 5ft away - just in case the horse kicked out - from Lady G when she got on her horse only to see that she was wearing a sort of flesh coloured bikini.
I've been scanning this site for a mention of the carnival I took part in, must have been the mid 1950s which started from the Memorial Park. I, along with other Coventry Gauge & Tool apprentices, fitted out a works truck as a Disney Skiffle Band stage. One member of our group was very clever making life size heads out of paper. I don't know if anyone remembers us that day but I was the one dressed as Goofy playing the piano. I remember the shouts of 'Here they are' from family or friends? as we passed going up Queen Victoria Road.
tillyt

Local History and Heritage - Coventry Carnivals / Godiva Processions

You need to be signed in to respond to this topic

First pagePrevious page

Displaying 106 to 107 of 107 posts

Page 8 of 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
No actionNo action

Previous (older) topic

Coventry City FC (The Bantams, Sky Blues)
|

Next (newer) topic

Stoke
You are currently viewing topics in All categories
View topics only in the Local History and Heritage category
 
Home | Forum index | Forum stats | Forum help | Log out | About me
Top of the page
5,222,161

Website & counter by Rob Orland © 2025

Load time: 228ms