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Several years ago, when I first began to write stories for this site, I wrote about Boadicea – The Warrior Queen, Queen of the Iceni Tribe. I had learned about her, her battles with the Romans and her final battle where she and her daughters perished. She was renown for having defeated the Roman legions in ~ 61-60 A.D. However, the Romans regrouped and later defeated her and her band of poorly trained soldiers compared to the Roman Legions. I was greatly taken by the story of Queen Boadicea (also known as Boudica, Boudicca and Buddug).

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I first heard of Queen Boadicea & Her Daughters when I learned of The Warrior Queen at school.  I was quite young, not yet eight years old, when our teacher related her story. I was spellbound at hearing of her exploits and once I heard that there was a statue of her in her chariot with her daughters by her side, I begged my parents to take me to see it.

The Statue

The statue is found on the Embankment at Westminster Bridge and is, to me, remarkable! Being young and impressionable, I was totally bowled over by it. Who would not be? Here, towering above me was a woman with her head held high, standing in a chariot with fierce looking knives coming out of the wheels and about to go into battle and give chase to those Romans who dared to insult her, her daughters and her tribe. Now here she stood with determination on her face to take back her land and revenge her humiliation. This was inspirational stuff – the stuff that any kid would immediately identify with and be ready to join her in battle.

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I have always liked this collage. I especially like the bottom photographs where it looks as if The Warrior Queen standing in her chariot is waiting at the traffic lights to turn green along with modern vehicles and is eager to take off into the future!

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While at school, I learned of other great women that stood by their beliefs; e.g., Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), Nurse Edith Cavell (1865-1915) and Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc).

Joan of Arc Enters Orléans by Jean-Jacques Scherrer (1855-1916)

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Of course I learned of great men too and of their contributions to society. I especially admired Lord Nelson (1758-1805). However, I was not one to read American Comics and had no interest at all in so-called Super Heroes! I disliked Science Fiction as a child and rarely listened to Journey Into Space! I have listened to some episodes recently, thanks to BBC Radio 4 Extra, and quite enjoyed them (better late than never). It also took years for me to watch both Star Trek (the television series) – although I always admired Mr. Spock’s manner! – and the Star Wars saga.

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But enough of ME! Now more of Her Grace The Duchess – The Warrior Queen!

Mars – The Bringer of War – From The Planet’s Suite by Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
BBC Symphony Orchestra with Susanna Mälkki (1969), conductor

Her Grace The Grand Duchess of Cumberland County

aka

SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED!

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PLEASE DO NOT VIEW THIS PAGE, AS YET.  IT IS NOT COMPLETE.  IT WILL BE READY FOR VIEWING IN ONE WEEK.