1-155-208 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Statue of Boudicca and her daughters in a chariot, Thames Embankment, London, 19th century. After the death of Boudicca's husband Prasutagus, leader of the Iceni, the Romans confiscated his lands, committing various atrocities, including the rape of Boudicca's daughters. This prompted Boudicca and the Iceni to launch a revolt against the Romans in 61 AD. The revolt was initially successful, with Colchester, London and St Albans brutally sacked. Eventually Boudicca's army was defeated by a Roman force under Seutonius Paullinus, after which Boudicca is said to have committed suicide by taking poison.