Boudicca: Britain's Warrior Queen

Boudicca: Britain's Warrior Queen

From Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things by Daily Mail

May 17, 2026 · 31 min · Season 3 · Episode 60

About this episode

This episode explores the revolt led by Boudicca against Roman rule in Britain.

Celebrating Britain’s warrior queen who led a revolt against Rome. In this episode, Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams examine the uprising of Boudicca in AD 60–61 — why it began, how it unfolded, and what it reveals about life under Roman rule. After the death of her husband, the Romans annexed his kingdom, publicly flogged Boudicca, and assaulted her daughters. In response, she united several tribes in eastern Britain and launched a coordinated revolt. The rebels destroyed key Roman centres, including Colchester, London, and St Albans, killing thousands of settlers and forcing Rome into a rapid military response. The episode traces the campaign from its origins through to its decisive confrontation with Roman forces, and considers how close the revolt came to ending Roman control in Britain. Set against the unstable reign of Nero, this is an account of one of the most significant challenges Rome faced in Britain — and the magnificent woman who led it. Hosts: Robert Hardman and Kate Williams Series Producer: Ben Devlin Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Executive Producer: Bella Soames 'Boudicca Rap' by Matilda Hardman Hosts: Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams…

People in this episode

Hosts: Robert Hardman, Professor Kate Williams

Topics covered

  • Boudicca
  • Roman Britain
  • uprising
  • warrior queen
  • history
  • revolt

Keywords

  • Boudicca
  • Roman Empire
  • revolt
  • history
  • warrior queen
  • Nero
  • tribes
  • uprising

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Daily Mail

Places: Britain, Colchester, London, St Albans

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