In the last part we had a look at how Boudicca lived and eventually died. But there is a raging controversy over her place of death.

Place of Boudicca’s defeat is unknown. Most historians believe it was West Midlands, somewhere along the Roman Road or Watling Street as we know now. Some historians suggest that the site was close to High Cross in Leicestershire, which lies on the junction of Watling Street and Fosse Way. Some other scholars feel Manduessedum (modern day Manchester), near the modern day town of Atherstone in Warwickshire could also be the site. Recently some Roman artefacts were also discovered from Metchley Camp which opens up a new possibility.

One of the folklores going around suggests that Boudicca was buried beneath one of the platforms in King’s Cross Station which is one of the main railway stations in London. Though the actual platform number varies from person to person but this has been touted as the site. Though most people feel it is platform number 10 under which Boudicca’s remains lay buried. The former name for King’s Cross was Battle Bridge which was given to signify the location for Battle of Watling. This story was provided more strength when a story was printed in The daily Telegraph on February 22, 1988 stating that the remains of the Warrior Queen were unearthed from this location. There was a female skeleton uncovered.

There was a controversy though. Lady of Bridlip which was a skeleton dug up near Birdlip in Gloucestershire in the late 19^th century has also been claimed as the remains of Boudicca. Along the bones there were grave goods found which included a mirror, a necklace, brooches and bowls which led to the identification of the skeleton as a woman. All these items were also used by Boudicca. Moreover, there were two other graves lying by the side. So the scholars concluded that this was the grave of Boudicca who died along with her two daughters.

Birdlip Lady was found in the location which has been supposed to be the home of Dobunni in the late Iron Age. May be these were Boudicca’s people and she fled to these lands after her defeat. There have been many Dubunnic currencies found in East Anglia, making the scholars believe there is a link between Dobunni and Iceni. The problem with this identification is that there are no hard proofs. The feminine identity of the skull was only proved by the existence of goods in the grave. Some researchers also feel that the skeleton is one of a priest rather than a queen.

So there is still confusion over the final resting place of Boudicca. Though platform number 10 of King’s Cross station seems to be the widely believed location.

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