The Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London
Explore over 500 years of history and tradition
Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London (2017) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces
Yeoman Warders (nicknamed 'Beefeaters') have guarded the Tower of London for more than 500 years. They trace their origins back to 1485, when Henry VII founded the Yeoman of the Guard.
King Henry VIII appointed several of these Yeomen to serve at the Tower of London, where they were paid 6 pence a day. These men were often known as 'the Yeoman at the Tower'.
Yeoman Warder tour, Tower of London (2022) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces
Yeoman Warders have welcomed paying visitors to the Tower since the 1500s. Over the following centuries, the Yeoman Warders became an important part of the visitor experience at the Tower.
In 1826, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, became the Constable of the Tower of London. He was not impressed with the Yeoman body which was then recruited from all walks of life.
Wellington declared that Yeoman Warders would now only be recruited from ex-serviceman with long service and good records of conduct.
Yeoman Warders in state dress uniform (2014) Historic Royal Palaces
Yeoman Warders today
Today's Yeoman Warders have served at least 22 years of military service. Each has reached the rank of warrant officer and been awarded the long service and good conduct medal.
Yeoman Warders are now recruited from all three branches of the armed forces: The Royal Navy including The Royal Marines, The British Army, and The Royal Air Force.
Beyond the Deepening Shadow: The Tower Remembers (2018) by David Jensen Historic Royal Palaces
In 2007, Moira Cameron became the first woman to hold the position of Yeoman Warder. Today several women have followed in her historic footsteps.
Yeoman Warders are 'sworn in' with a centuries-old ceremony where they take a special oath of royal allegiance.
Yeoman Warders' uniforms (2012) by Nick Guttridge Historic Royal Palaces
Historic uniform
The Yeoman Warder's dark blue and red uniform, known as 'Blue Undress', was introduced in 1850. Queen Victoria herself influenced the design of the durable new everyday uniform.
On special occasions, Yeoman Warders wear the red and gold 'State dress' uniform. It is thought to date to 1550.
Yeoman Warders continue to play a significant role in royal and state ceremonial occasions and are symbols of our national heritage.
Chief Yeoman Warder Peter McGowran at The Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys rehearsal. McGowran was Chief Yeoman Warder from 2018 to 2023. (2022) by David Jensen Historic Royal Palaces
Ceremony of the Keys
The Yeoman Warders are the guardians of many ancient ceremonies. The Ceremony of the Keys has taken place every night for more than 700 years to lock up the Tower.
The Ceremony begins when the sentry cries out,
"Halt, who comes there?"
The Chief Yeoman Warder replies, "The Keys."
They are questioned: "Whose keys?"
and answer "King Charles's Keys."
The sentry answers:
"Pass King Charles's Keys, all is well."
The Ceremony of the Constable's Dues, Tower of London (2016) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces
The Constable's Dues
In the past, every ship that entered the City of London had to give a portion of their cargo to the Constable of the Tower. This was known as 'The Constable's Dues'.
When a Royal Navy vessel moors at the Wharf today it still presents a barrel of wine, rum, or brandy to the Constable. The 'Constable's Dues' are escorted by the Yeoman Warders.
Yeoman Warder with Tower of London visitors (2009) by Simon Jarratt Photography Historic Royal Palaces
Our famous Yeoman Warder tours are the perfect way to begin your visit to the Tower of London.
Listen to 'A Day in the Life of a Yeoman Warder' podcast
to find out more about working at the Tower, or visit the Tower of London and enjoy a Yeoman Warder tour
.
