Keyword: Yeoman Warder

Yeoman Warder

The Yeoman Warders were established in 1485 by King Henry VIII to serve as his bodyguards. Today, there are 36 Yeoman Warders, plus the chief yeoman and the yeoman gaoler. They now serve as tour guides at the Tower of London.

Their nickname, "Beefeaters", may come from their past duty of tasting meat before served to the King or Queen, making sure it was not poisoned. Another reason for their nickname may be from the lower class who rarely had any beef while the "spoiled" guards were given rations.

Yeoman Warders are usually seen in blue and red uniforms with "E" and "R", symbols of Queen Elizabeth II. This is what tower visitors will see Yeoman Warders wearing. For royal ceremonies and when the monarch visits the Tower, Yeomen will wear red and gold uniforms.

To become a Yeoman Warder, one must be a former long serving officer from the Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy or the Royal Marines. All Yeomen are men.

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