Leofric, Earl of Mercia

Leofric (b. abt May 14, 968 – died August 31, 1057) was the Earl of Mercia, who, in 1043, founded monasterys at Coventry and Much Wenlock. Leofric is best remembered as the husband of Godiva, who is said to have ridden through the streets of Coventry naked, in order to persuade her husband to reduce the burden of taxes placed on their subjects by order of King Hardicanute. In the novel by Charles Kingsley, they were the parents of Hereward the Wake, but this is merely a literary device.

He married in 1030. He is said to have died in Bromley, Staffordshire, England.

His son, Alfgar, Earl Of Mercia, suceded him.