Background

Boadicea and Her Daughters Statue, London

A commanding bronze tribute to Boudica, the fierce Celtic queen, standing proud on her chariot beside Westminster Bridge in the heart of London.

4.5

Boadicea and Her Daughters is a striking bronze statue located on the Victoria Embankment in London. Created by Thomas Thornycroft and unveiled in 1902, it depicts the fierce Celtic warrior queen Boudica (Boadicea) riding a chariot with her two daughters, symbolizing British resistance against Roman invasion. Positioned near Westminster Bridge and facing the Houses of Parliament, the statue combines historic legend with Victorian-era artistry.

A brief summary to Boadicea and Her Daughters

  • Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early morning or late evening for quieter moments to appreciate the statue without heavy crowds.
  • Combine your visit with nearby landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
  • Look closely at the chariot’s scythed wheels and the dynamic poses of Boudica and her daughters for fine sculptural details.
  • Read the inscriptions on the granite plinth to understand the historical and poetic context of the statue.
widget icon

Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the Jubilee or District Line to Westminster Station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the statue. The station is well-served and accessible, with frequent trains running every 2-5 minutes. No additional cost beyond standard fare applies.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes stop near Westminster Bridge, including routes 3, 11, 24, and 148. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses are accessible and operate frequently during the day. Standard London bus fares apply.

  • Riverboat

    Riverboat services stop at Westminster Pier, adjacent to the statue. This scenic option takes about 20-40 minutes from various piers along the Thames. Tickets cost approximately £7-£12 one-way. Services run daily but check schedules for seasonality.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby, walking is a pleasant option, with routes from Parliament Square or Whitehall taking 10-20 minutes. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Boadicea and Her Daughters location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Boadicea and Her Daughters

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Boadicea and Her Daughters

A Monument to a Legendary Warrior Queen

The bronze statue of Boadicea and Her Daughters stands prominently on the Victoria Embankment near Westminster Bridge, London. It commemorates Boudica, the queen of the Iceni tribe who led a major uprising against Roman rule in Britain around 60-61 AD. The sculpture captures Boudica in a dynamic pose atop a chariot drawn by two rearing horses, with her two daughters flanking her, symbolizing both her leadership and maternal strength. This statue is one of only two chariot group sculptures in London, making it a unique piece of public art and history.

Artistic Vision and Victorian Patronage

The statue was the magnum opus of Thomas Thornycroft, a renowned English sculptor and engineer. He began work on the piece in the 1850s, inspired by the Victorian-era fascination with British history and the figure of Boudica as a symbol of resistance and patriotism. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert personally supported the project, with Albert commissioning Thornycroft to create a monumental statue. Although Thornycroft completed a full-size model before his death in 1885, financial constraints delayed the casting in bronze until 1898. The statue was finally installed in its current location in 1902, mounted on a granite plinth designed by Thomas Graham Jackson.

Symbolism and Historical Context

Boudica’s revolt against the Romans was brutal and decisive, involving the destruction of Roman towns including Londinium (modern London). The statue’s placement near the Palace of Westminster carries an ironic resonance, as it stands in the heart of the city she once ravaged. The chariot’s wheels are fitted with scythes, symbolizing the ferocity of her rebellion. Inscriptions on the plinth honor her legacy as a warrior queen who fought for freedom against imperial domination. The statue also reflects Victorian imperial pride, linking Boudica’s defiance to the British Empire’s own narrative of power and resilience.

Design Details and Sculptural Features

The sculpture vividly portrays Boudica with a spear raised in one hand and the other arm outstretched, urging her army forward. Her daughters are depicted as youthful maidens, bare-breasted and draped in flowing skirts, emphasizing their vulnerability and loyalty. The horses are shown rearing, uncontrolled by reins, adding to the sense of wild energy and momentum. The chariot is light and built for speed, with the distinctive scythed wheels designed to cut down enemies in battle. These artistic choices combine to create a powerful visual narrative of courage, leadership, and fierce independence.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Since its unveiling, Boadicea and Her Daughters has become an iconic London landmark, embodying themes of resistance, patriotism, and female leadership. It is often overlooked amid the bustling tourist traffic near Westminster but remains a potent symbol of Britain’s ancient past and Victorian-era identity. The statue also serves as a reminder of the complex history between Britain and Rome, and the enduring power of myth and legend in shaping national consciousness.

Location and Visitor Experience

Situated on the north side of Westminster Bridge, the statue offers striking views across the Thames to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It is surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of central London, with constant pedestrian and vehicular activity. Visitors can appreciate the detailed craftsmanship up close and reflect on the dramatic history it represents. Despite its prominence, the statue’s plinth is sometimes obscured by souvenir stalls, but the bronze figures remain a commanding presence on the Embankment.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Boadicea and Her Daughters

Popular Hotels near Boadicea and Her Daughters

Select Currency