The Beefeaters at The Tower of London

Whenever I am asked for my advice on visiting the Tower of London, I always say first, book ahead of time. My second piece of advice is to start your visit to the Tower of London with a Beefeater tour.

There is no definitive answer as to why the Yeomen of the Guard are called Beefeaters. One theory is that when King Henry VIII first installed guards at the Tower of London, he gave them a seat at his table. Beef was scarce for normal everyday citizens, but those that sat at the King’s table could eat their fill. Meat was a symbol of power and wealth in those days. It was even believed the guards were paid in meat rations. Thus, the name “Beefeaters” was born. There is no way to know for sure where the term came from, but it has stuck for over a thousand  years.

To read about the history of the Tower of London, click here. 

In 1485, King Henry VIII decreed that a group of soldiers needed to guard the Tower of London. He did not want young or inexperienced soldiers; he wanted someone who had proven their loyalty to their crown. These new guards were called “Yeomen of the Guard.“

The Yeoman of the Guard, or Beefeaters, roles have changed through the ages. During their earlier years, they guarded prisoners and walked them to their execution. They watched over torture and heard people beg for mercy. They also guarded the crown jewels and the treasury.

Over time, they became the face of the Tower of London. They welcomed dignitaries, tourists, and the curious. Being experts of the Tower, they walked the grounds, informing visitors of the who, what, when, and where. The uniforms have changed in design, but are still colorful.

To be a Beefeater, one must have served in the British Armed Forces for at least 22 years and have reached the rank of Warrant Officer or equivalent. Discipline and honor are key to a Beefeater, and they must have the medals to show for it. Hundreds of veterans apply for an open position, so each Beefeater has been carefully vetted. Once they have been approved, the Beefeater and their family move into The Tower of London apartments.

One duty of the Beefeaters is leading tours around the Tower. The tours usually last about 30 minutes and are told with a lot of humor. They also continue to guard the Crown Jewels, although the King’s Guards are stationed right outside the entrance. They must also participate in the Ceremony of the Keys, which is when the Tower of London closes its doors at the end of the day. A ceremony that has lasted for over 700 years.

I have visited the Tower of London 3 times, and the first thing I do is gather in the area where the Beefeater tours begin. In a nutshell, here are 5 reasons you should do the same:

1. 1. They are hilarious. Beefeaters will keep the crowds laughing their way through the Tower tour.
   2. The tour is quick and highlights the major stories that occurred in the Tower. If you want a more in-depth look at the history, collect a headset. The Beefeaters are knowledgeable and are walking history makers themselves.
   3. You will get stories that are not always included in guidebooks, such as executioners that were not good at their jobs, tales of revelry,  and information about the ravens.
   4. The Beefeaters wear colorful uniforms, which always make for a great photo.
   5. It’s tradition. By walking in the Beefeaters’ footsteps, you’ll be participating in a process that has occurred for hundreds of years. Here are more English stories you might enjoy:
      -Arundel
      Arundel Castle is a Must-Visit for History Lovers, Photographers, and Little Ones Who Want to be knights
      – Chawton
      A Father and Daughter Visit Jane Austen’s England
      Making Memories with My Daughter at the Chawton House
      Celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday
      – Hadrian’s Wall
      Reliving the Dads4Kesem Hadrian’s Wall Hike
      How an Ice Cream Truck Saved the Day During a Hike Across England
      – London
      History of the Tower of London
      Flying Down the River Thames on a Speedboat
      Climbing the O2 Arena with My Son
      A Speedboat Tour on the Thames is the Perfect Way to Start a London Vacation
      Attending a Chelsea FC Match with My Son
      Visiting Westminster Abbey
      Visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London
      Getting Lost on a Ghost Tour in London with My Son
      Riding the Tootbus is a Great Way to See London’s Highlights
      Westminster Abbey’s Enduring Legacy: From Catechisms to Coronations
      -Oxford
      Alice’s Oxford Door: Where History and Imagination Collide
      C.S. Lewis’s Oxford Lamppost
      Oxford’s 3 Martyrs
      – Portsmouth
      Escaping the Rain by Staying in the Lovely Queen’s Hotel
      The Spinnaker Tower Looms Above Portsmouth Offering Beautiful Views of the Solent
      Walking Through the Mary Rose and Touring the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
      -Stratford-upon-Avon
      3-Day Itinerary for Visiting Shakespeare’s England
      Walking in Shakespeare’s Footsteps: A Father/Son Story
      Visiting Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: Where William Shakespeare’s Love Blossomed
      Visiting Shakespeare’s Grave with My Son
      Exploring Kenilworth Castle
      Stepping Back in Time at Warwick Castle
      – Whitchurch
      Father and Daughter Weave Silk at the Whitchurch Silk Mill in Hampshire
      – Winchester
      Winchester England’s Culinary Delights
      Winchester 878 AD Interactive Experience was a Highlight for my Daughter During Our Trip to Southeast England
      Visiting King Arthur’s Round Table at the Great Hall in Winchester
      -Windsor
      Visiting Windsor Castle
      The Castle Hotel Windsor is the Perfect Place to Stay While Visiting the Royal Sites