Boudica Relief

A red brick area. In the center there is an iron picture of a woman in a chariot. She is holding reins driving four horses.
Fireplace in the Drawing Room

Country of Origin: likely England
Year: ca. 1890
Materials: Cast Iron 

Fireplaces are a central focus in historic homes, and the one in the Eldon House Drawing Room has continued to surprise museum staff over our history. Originally, when the house was donated to the City, the Drawing Room fireplace looked like it had a solid cast iron back. After its donation, one of the curators decided to clean the back of the fireplace, and this cast iron image was discovered. Staff believe that this is a depiction of Boudica.

Boudica was queen of the Iceni tribe from the east coast of Britain. She led a revolt against the Romans who had annexed her late husband’s kingdom in 60 CE. She led forces which attacked three Roman strongholds in Britain dealing massive losses. Allegedly, the revolts almost caused Emperor Nero to abandon Britain altogether. Ultimately, Boudica and her forces were defeated and Boudica was said to have committed suicide or have fallen ill. Two writers, Cassius Dio and Tacitus wrote about the rebellion. In each of their writings, Boudica is pictured as a warrior queen, riding her chariot into battle, and using divination to help her win.

The fireplace back is an optical illusion. The image is of Boudica in her chariot, but when the fire is lit, the flickering flames make the horses look like they are moving. Functionally, this cast iron piece was designed to enhance the heating in a room – reflecting the heat of the fire into the living space, and holding heat longer than a fire was active, radiating into the home.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.