7 Facts About Queen Boudicca
Known as the Warrior Queen of Britain, Boudicca is famous for leading her tribe, the Iceni, and other peoples in a revolt against Roman rule. Her courage and determination have fascinated historians for centuries, and her story is still told to school children. Here are seven facts about this strong-willed queen.
1. Boudicca lived in East Anglia
Boudicca lived in what is now East Anglia, ruling the Iceni tribe jointly with her husband Prasutagus. It’s thought that Thetford was where she lived while she planned her rebellion against the Romans.
2. Only one source describes her appearance
Not much is known about Boudicca’s appearance. The only surviving record comes from Cassius Dio, who was born a century after her death. He describes her as tall, with a “fierce” glint in her eye. His account says, “a great mass of the tawniest hair fell to her hips”. It’s known that Celtic women did wear their hair long, often in braids or curls, so this is likely to be true.
3. Her army enjoyed considerable success before its defeat
Boudicca’s rebellion was by no means a lost cause from the start. According to Roman historian Tacitus, her forces killed some 70,000 Romans and pro-Roman Britons, destroying the Roman towns of St Albans, Colchester and London.
4. Queen Boudicca was robbed of her inheritance
While alive, Prasutagus made a deal with the Romans, agreeing to leave half of his kingdom to the emperor, Nero, and half to his family. He hoped this would keep them safe. However, when Prasutagus died, the entire kingdom was seized for the emperor. The Romans whipped Boudicca and her daughters and enslaved their relatives.
5. Boudicca is famous for her final speech
The Iceni queen was dedicated to protecting her people. Roman historian Cassius Dio records that her final speech to her army went as follows: “I was whipped by the Romans when they tried to take our lands and now I am fighting for my freedom. Think how many of us are fighting and why. We must win this battle or die. Let the men live as slaves if they want. I will not.” You can learn all about her struggles on the Terrible Thames River Tour in London.
6. She fought in the Battle of Watling Street
She fought in a famous battle called the Battle of Watling Street. This took place about 25 miles west of modern metropolitan Birmingham, and was a bloody fight with bad results for the Iceni. Despite outnumbering the Roman army, the Britons were poorly armed and less disciplined. They were forced to retreat and many were killed as they did so. The Romans ruled Britain for the next 350 years.
7. Her death is a mystery
Boudicca was defeated by a Roman army led by the governor Paulinus. She is widely thought to have poisoned herself to avoid capture and enslavement by the Romans. Some historians, however, believe she may have fallen sick or died of shock.
All the grizzly details of the Iceni revolt are revealed on the Terrible Thames Tour, which runs throughout the summer, departing from Tower Bridge Quay. Book your Thames Tour today and enjoy a fascinating insight into London’s turbulent history.
