According to legend, Lady Godiva took pity on the people of Coventry, who were suffering grievously under her husband's oppressive taxation. Lady Godiva appealed again and again to her husband, who obstinately refused to remit the tolls.
At last, weary of her entreaties, he said he would grant her request if she would ride naked through the streets of the town.
Lady Godiva took him at his word.
After issuing a proclamation that all persons should keep within doors and shut their windows, she rode through the town. The town tailor disobeyed her order and peeked thorugh his shutters as Lady Godiva rode pass his window. According to legend, he was struck blind. He was forever afterwards known as “Peeping Tom,” perhaps one of histories most famous voyeurs.
In the end, Godiva's husband keeps his word and abolishes the onerous taxes. And that, dear reader, is how naked protesting began.
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