Beefeaters at the Tower – Roles & Traditions

Who They Are

The Yeoman Warders—popularly known as Beefeaters—are retired service personnel entrusted with the Tower’s security, ceremony, and storytelling.

Core Duties

• Guarding ceremonial spaces and key routes.
• Interpreting history for visitors through talks and tours.
• Participating in rituals like the Ceremony of the Keys.

Image Highlights

Uniforms Explained

Selection & Service

• Applicants are typically ex-armed forces with exemplary records.
• Warders live within the Tower community—a unique residential heritage.

Ceremony of the Keys (Snapshot)

Visitor Etiquette

• Ask before photos; be mindful during ceremonial duties.
• Tours are popular—arrive early for the best spots.

Bottom Line

Beefeaters are guardians of memory and meaning—their presence connects past ritual to present experience.

See Also

• Life inside: warder homes
• Ghost stories and why they persist
• Planning your visit