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Beefeaters at the Tower – Roles & Traditions
Who are the Yeoman Warders? Explore duties, traditions, uniforms, and how they keep the Tower’s stories alive.
11/27/2025
14 min read
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
| Type | When | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlet State Dress | State occasions | Embroidered cypher, full regalia |
| Blue Undress | Daily duties | Dark blue with red piping |
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)
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Locking ritual | Secures the gates nightly |
| Call-and-response | Confirms authority and order |
| Tradition | Continuous since at least the 16th century |
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
About the Author
Living History Writer
I built this to help you enjoy the Tower of London smartly—clear pacing, better timing, and context that makes each chapel, crown, and stone corridor resonate.
Tags
Yeoman Warders
Beefeaters
tradition
uniform
stories
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