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THEY ONCE guarded Anne Boleyn and other “enemies” of the monarch awaiting execution inside thetower of London.
But the modern Beefeater is expected to be “welcoming, open and inclusive” and recognise “the value of diversity”.
Beefeaters – also known asyeoman Warders – must also have served at least 22 years in the armed forces, have an exemplary record and reached the rank of warrant officer.
Those lucky enough to join the ranks, which date back to the Tudors, are expected to live within the walls of thetower for a peppercorn rent. Other historic benefits include receiving a bottle of Beefeater Gin on their birthday.
Historic Royal Palaces – which looks after thetower, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle – is now looking for twoyeoman Warders to join the 37-strong team.
In a new job advert for the £32,000-ayear role, the charity said the successful applicants will have “outstanding customer service to stir the spirit of every visitor”. But in the modern age they must also “be welcoming, open and inclusive” and recognise “the value of diversity and equal treatment of all visitors and colleagues”.
When once they carried weapons, now they must be armed with a complete knowledge of royal and British history to answer questions from the three million annual visitors. As well as giving guided tours, they must – in the age of selfies – have the patience to have their photos taken with countless visitors too.
Yeoman Warders were originally part of the Yeoman of the Guard – the monarch’s personal bodyguard.
HENRYVIII decided that thetower should be protected by part of the royal bodyguard.
The future Elizabeth I was sent to the Tower. She survived but Lady Jane Grey, Sirwalter Raleigh and Guy Fawkes did not. Even in the 20th century, German spies were taken there and shot.
Newyeomanwarders are sworn in during a centuries-old ceremony, with recruits taking an oath of royal allegiance dating back to 1337.They drink a toast of port, served in an 18th-century pewter bowl, and the Chief Yeoman Warder toasts recruits with the words: “May you never die ayeomanwarder.”
‘Stir the spirit of every visitor’