Iceni was a Celtic tribe living in Norfolk and Suffolk. They date back to AD61, the time of the Roman conquest on the South of Britain. Queen Boudecea ruled the Iceni people of East Anglia alongside her husband Prasutagus.

King Prasutagus was trying to build bridges between the Britons and the Romans. He generously made Roman Emperor Nero, co heir to his land, property and wealth.

On the Kings' death, the Roman Governor of Britain was Suetonius Paulinus and he had different ideas on the subject of land and property, taking it all for himself. As well as this he had Queen Boudecea publicly flogged and her daughters rapped by Roman slaves. Other Iceni chiefs suffered similar fates and their families made slaves.
The Iceni were insulted and rose in revolt, led by their Queen, Boudecea. So successful was the uprising that the Romans were almost defeated. Unfortunately for the Iceni and their allies, the military skill and weaponry of the Roman army finally led to the crushing of the rebellion, with thousands of Britons killed. After this Roman rule was re-established.

Boudecea was not killed in battle but chose to take poison rather than be taken alive by the Romans.
England has produced many fierce, noble warriors down the ages, who have fought to keep England free, but one formidable lady whose name will never be forgotten is Queen Boudecea. She has secured a special place of her own in British history, remembered for her courage; The Queen who fought the might of Rome.


Above is a statue of Boudecea on her chariot

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