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Godiva Chocolatier, Inc.

(Private)  
Retail
HQ: New York, NY   |   501 - 1000 employees  |  
Approx. 18 active jobs   |  Website
Overview
The History of Godiva Chocolatier


Godiva Chocolatier was founded 80 years ago in Brussels, Belgium when master chocolatier Joseph Draps founded a chocolate company that was named in honor of the legend of Lady Godiva.

The Lady Godiva Legend

Many hundreds of years ago, a woman of great generosity and beauty left an indelible impression upon the people she reigned over in Coventry. Known for her lustrous hair and bountiful nature, she dedicated her life to the impoverished and stricken.

Her husband, Lord Leofric, was a powerful ruler, unsympathetic to the citizens of his kingdom. When he imposed a heavy burden of taxation upon his subjects, Lady Godiva protested. Lord Leofric boomed forth a challenge: If Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets, and if the people of the city remained inside, the taxation would be lifted.

Lady Godiva agreed to this bargain. Although she was demure in spirit, she was always most generous in action. Then finally, it was the morning of the event. Dawn rose, and the clock struck seven, ringing through the cobbled streets. The people closed their shutters, as promised. Lady Godiva's velvet gown dropped to the ground, her luminous skin shimmering.

The ride began.

Throughout the streets echoed the foreign sound of hooves galloping, yet not a single glance flew her way.

Upon her finish, the thunderous cheers were heard throughout the town. Lady Godiva had braved modesty and convention to win the hearts of all who knew her. As promised, Leofric eased his taxation of the poor, and her place in history was immortalized.

The legend of Lady Godiva has not diminished, but instead has grown and deepened. Centuries later, Joseph Draps, a renowned Belgian chocolatier, created a line of chocolates with extraordinary richness and design, a collection of passion and purity. He sought a name that embodied the timeless qualities of passion, style, sensuality and modern boldness. His choice?

Godiva.
Contact
If you have any questions or comments for us, please feel free to email us at letters@godiva.com.

You can reach us seven days a week via phone at 1-800-9GODIVA between 7am to Midnight (EST).

Or click here for live assistance, available 7 days from 8am to 11pm EST.