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Boudicca: Britain's Warrior Queen

May 18, 2026 · 31 min

Show notes

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

Series Producer: Ben Devlin

Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini 

Content Editor: Joseph Palmer

Executive Producer: Bella Soames


A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.


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