Summary:
The Tower of London is guarded by a group of uniformed people officially called Yeomen Warders, but more popularly known by the nickname Beefeaters.Yeomen Warders:
Like most castles, the Tower of London always required a devoted staff to guard its many gates and prisoners. Henry VIII formed into a special body of King's Yeomen and given a unique uniform that included the royal livery. Nearly half a century later they still exist in the form of 38 Yeomen Warders (36 normal Warders, the Chief Yeoman Warder and a Yeoman Gaoler) whose everyday blue uniform was created in 1858, but derived from Henry's original.Beefeaters:
Given their role as protectors of Britain's iconic Tower of London, the Warders have become a famous sight in, and synonymous with, London, but strangely, not for being either Yeomen or wearing blue. Instead they are by far better known for their red and gold state uniforms – worn relatively rarely – and called by their nickname: Beefeaters. We don't know where the term originated, but it was probably a reference to the healthy portions of meat the Yeomen were given and coined by hungry locals.Requirements:
The Beefeaters are recruited from very long serving senior NCO's in the British Services and are sworn in using an oath of allegiance which dates back to 1337. They are also required to perform duties when a royal is crowned or lying in state and the standard Warders are armed with a halberd.Full Title:
'Yeoman Warder of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign’s Bogy Guard and Yeoman Guard Extraordinary'.
