Women’s history month | Great Women in history: Boudica

Boudica is one of the most legendary women in British history, she is thought to have lived between 30AD and 60AD and was known to defeat the Romans on several occasions during their invasion and occupation of what would later become modern Britain. But how much were you taught about her?

Boudica the noblewoman

While you might know her as being a ferocious warrior, Boudica was actually born into a noble family and was descended from royalty in Celtic Britain. She was married to King Prastuagus, the King of Iceni, which was a kingdom located in the area we now know as Norfolk. As queen Boudica was known to be as proactive as her husband and together they fought and defended their lands from Roman legions.

Boudica the victorious

Did you know that Boudica was almost destined to be the woman she became? Her name comes from the Celtic word ‘bouda’ which means victory.

Boudica the fighter

Most of us know of Boudica as being a great military leader but her real struggles came after the death of her husband. After Prasutagus died, it was widely believed that Boudica would rule as queen until her death, but the Roman invaders wouldn’t acknowledge this. To assert their power, the local Roman community flogged Boudica in front of her people and publicly raped her two daughters. This led her to seek her revenge, she formed an army and defeated the Romans in three major battles. Her daughters formed part of the army and even had their own chariots.

Boudica the unknown?

We know that records of Boudica end in 60AD, which is why it is widely assumed that she died in this year. Her death however was never recorded and her burial site has never been found. Historians believe that she was killed after being captured in battle by the Romans in the Midlands.

Boudica the inspiration

Boudica might not be discussed as much as other women in history but she has inspired several other great British women. During the reign of Elizabeth I, many public speakers and writers compared the two queens, while Queen Victoria acknowledged her greatness personally by commissioning a statue of Boudica and her daughters which was erected in London near Westminster Bridge.