Employed by Historic Royal Palaces, you can expect a salary of around £30,000 and accommodation in the Tower for you and your family – but you do have to pay rent (and council tax!) for the privilege, and it isn’t subsidised.
What happens to Yeoman Warders when they retire?
They must own a home outside the fortress to occupy when they retire. Some of the accommodation dates back to the 13th century. The community of the Tower of London is made up of these Yeoman Warders and their families, the Resident Governor and officers, a chaplain and a doctor.
Where do the Yeoman Warders live?
As tradition going back 700 years, all Yeoman Warders and their families live within the Tower walls. Right now about 150 people, including a doctor and a chaplain, claim the Tower of London as their home address.
Why are they called Beefeaters?
The name Beefeaters is often thought to come from the French word – ‘buffetier’. (Buffetiers were guards in the palace of French kings. They protected the king’s food.)
Are there female Beefeaters?
A Lancashire soldier has become the first woman in 10 years – and only the second in history – to be made a Beefeater at the Tower of London. … The first female Beefeater was Moira Cameron, from Argyll, in 2007. Warrant Officer Clark said: “Waking up at the Tower of London is magical.
At what age do yeoman warders retire?
A. We are all retired soldiers who have served in the military for at least 22 years, having attained a minimum rank of warrant officer and been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Applicants must be between 40 and 50. Yeoman warders retire at age 65.
What age do yeoman warders retire?
The 38 Yeoman Warders have been told they must retire at 60 instead of 65, which some say will plunge them into serious financial difficulties.
Do yeoman warders have to retire?
The Yeoman Warders came into being when Henry VIII stopped living at the Tower. 3. All are retired from the British Armed Forces and must be former senior non-commissioned officers with at least 22 years’ service.
What is the difference between Beefeaters and Yeoman?
‘Beefeater’ eventually became a term used to distinguish between the Body Guard at the Tower of London, and the Royal Bodyguards working in other locations. Yeomen Warders have been in service at the Tower of London since 1485 when the corps were formed by King Henry VII, although their origins date back even further.
Are Beefeaters armed?
Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor times. Nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’, the Yeoman Body of 32 men and women are all drawn from the Armed Forces.
Who can become a Yeoman Warder?
In order to qualify as a Yeoman Warder any candidate must have served for at least 22 years in the armed forces, be a former warrant officer or senior non commissioned, plus hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal. So that’s most of us mere mortals already out of the running then.
How do you become a Yeoman of the Guard?
On appointment, all Yeomen have to be aged between 42 and 55 and have served in the military for at least 22 years. They must have attained the rank of sergeant or above, but not be a commissioned officer. They must also have been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (LS&GCM).
Who lives in the Tower of London today?
The Tower Ravens
One of the most famous legends of the Tower surrounds the ravens. The story goes that should the ravens leave the Tower, both it and the kingdom will fall. Seven ravens live at the Tower today and are cared for by a dedicated Yeoman Warder known as the Ravenmaster.
Do Beefeaters do breakfast?
Breakfast at Beefeater
At Beefeater, we know there’s only one way to do breakfast — and that’s to do it properly! … What’s more, our breakfast is available for everyone, not just those staying at our Premier Inn locations and we serve up brekkie until 10:30am midweek and 11am at the weekend.
Is there a pub in the Tower of London?
Welcome to the Yeoman Warders Club, also known as The Keys. The members-only establishment is situated in the Tower of London, the historic fortress and No. 1 paid tourist attraction in England. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower receives nearly 3 million annual visitors.
What is a Beefeater hat called?
It’s called a ‘bearskin’, a type of ceremonial military cap that dates back to the 17th century. And yes, despite some controversy, the bearskin is exactly as its name suggests. Bearskin hats are made from the skin of American black bears, taken annually during the Black Bear Cull in Canada.
Who guards the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London?
As serving military personnel, the Tower Guard work alongside the Yeoman Warders and the Tower Wardens to protect the Crown Jewels and ensure the security of the Tower of London. The Tower Guard take part in the three daily ceremonies: the Ceremonial Opening, the Ceremony of the Word and the Ceremony of the Keys.
What do the Beefeaters guard?
What does a Beefeater do? Back in Tudor times they used to guard prisoners in the Tower of London and protect the famous Crown Jewels. Nowadays, Beefeaters are used as tour guides and have become an attraction in their own right because of their colourful uniforms and unique traditions.
How many female Beefeaters are there?
There are only 37 men and women warders currently working at the Tower, two of which are women. Through history, there have been 410 Beefeaters, with 408 of them men.
Who was the first female Yeoman Warder?
History was made two years ago when Moira Cameron became the first female yeoman warder in the 1,000-year history of the Tower of London, and history was made again today when two male yeomen accused of a sustained campaign of bullying against her were sacked.
Are the Queen’s Guard allowed to smile?
They Won’t Smile for a Selfie
Although they’re a popular spectacle for visitors to Britain, wishing to observe as they perform their iconic Changing of the Guard, these guards are in active service to the Queen and must carry themselves with the upmost discipline.