The photograph of me doing the
Sea Save Foundation ‘GiveEmTheFin’ in front of a statue of Queen
Boudicca is probably not what you would consider as a stereotypical London landmark. After all, there are far more
recognisable sites, like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge or Buckingham
Palace, yet for me this statue of a long dead queen has
always inspired me.
Boudicca more commonly known by many as, Boadicea, was the wife of
Prasutagus, ruler of the Iceni tribe of East Anglia. The Romans had
conquered Southern England in 43 AD but had allowed Prasutagus to keep
his lands and tribe. When Prasutagus
died, the Romans went back on the agreement they had originally made
and confiscated all the land, property, wealth etc. When Boudicca
protested against this she was punished for her 'insolence'! This fuelled an already growing resentment of the
Roman occupation and the Iceni tribe lead by Boudicca
revolted.
Boudicca died but it is believed that she took poison rather than be
captured by her enemy.
Some historians see her as a vengeful queen, but for me Boudicca is a heroine who stood up against an
injustice to her people!
I admire
her, first because she was a strong woman and, more important, she was prepared to stand up against an enemy that was far more
powerful!
British history remembers her as the Celtic
Warrior Queen. Thankfully in today’s more enlightened society, we use diplomatic means to bring about change!! The power of
people, the pen, peaceful pressure on governments, corporations etc. have
replaced the sword, but Boudicca’s power and courage, has inspired me not to give up when I see
injustice in the world today!
For me, the destruction of this beautiful
planet and all the species on it is analogous to Boudicca plight. I see much of that same courage in
many people across the world as we pull together to protect sharks, a species that has been historically vilified. Our battles may be different, but the courage is the same! To me she is a symbolic courageous woman! This is why I chose to
have a Sea Save Foundation ‘GiveEmTheFin’ picture taken in front of The Celtic Warrior
Queen!
Please join me, Boudicca and the entire Sea Save pod as we fight injustice, add your picture to our Give Em the Fin Campaign.
Please join me, Boudicca and the entire Sea Save pod as we fight injustice, add your picture to our Give Em the Fin Campaign.
- Donna Whitbread
