Kings and Queens of England: Boudicca

Although there are no recognised monarchs of England (before union with the other home nations) prior to the Dark Ages in the C9th, British people like to consider some of the earlier well-known historical figures as proto-monarchs. Such figures, of whom Boudicca is one of the most famous, have come to represent heroic ‘British’ characteristics. In the case of Boudicca, these characteristics include resistance to foreign rule and a personal bravery in battle bordering on the recklessness. Whenever domestic sovereignty is threatened or perceived to be threatened, therefore, the figure of Boudicca re-emerges, standing tall in her chariot and ready to lead her troops to glory.

What is known of the historical Boudicca is limited to the Roman records kept by Tacitus and Cassius Dio. Her name is also recorded as Boadicea or Boudica or some other variants. She was the wife of the King of the Iceni, a tribe of people located in what is now known as Norfolk (although local traditions place her in several different places across the country) and she led a revolt against Roman rule. The Romans had effected control of large swathes of the country after the invasion by the Emperor Claudius in 43 CE (a previous invasion attempt under Julius Caesar had not resulted in a long-term presence), although the Iceni had not been conquered but had joined with the Romans so as to strike against some of their longstanding tribal enemies. The motivations for the Romans to invade include the desire to obtain tin from Cornish mines and other resources – Britain was considered to be rich in resources – as well as to ‘civilise’ the country and eventually make Roman citizens who could join the army or bureaucracy and, thereby, further extend the Empire.

When Boudicca’s husband Prasutagus died, the Romans expected to incorporate the Iceni into the Empire in line with precedents elsewhere. The Iceni rebelled and were joined by other tribes, notably the Trinovantes. Boudicca is supposed to have led the rebels, resplendent with her waist-length red hair, imposing figure, multi-coloured cloak and golden torc. She led the sacking of Camulodunum (modern day Colchester), which had become a colony for discharged Roman soldiers. She then defeated the Roman IX9th Legion (Hispana) and marched on Londinium (London), which was evacuated by the Roman high command. That too was sacked, along with Verulamium (now known as St Albans). As many as 70,000 people are supposed to have been killed in these actions, although it is impossible to calculate these figures with any degree of accuracy – Roman records portray the campaign as one of genocide against them and the cities they occupied or built. The Emperor Nero, no strategic genius, contemplated abandoning Britain altogether but vacillated until he was rescued by his army.

Eventually, the Roman governor Suetonius mustered his troops from where they had been campaigning on the isle of Anglesey (Ynys Mon). He met Boudicca and the rebels at the Battle of Watling Street and defeated and killed her. Roman rule was in due course strengthened after these events, although the regal Boudicca remained a potent symbol of freedom against foreign invaders.