2-378-631 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Monument to Boadicea, Westminster Bridge, London, 20th century. After the death of Boudicca's (c25-61) 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. The monument, by Thomas Thornycroft, was unveiled in 1905.