Yeoman Warder raven talks
Cancelled until further notice
Meet our Yeoman Warders as you follow our one-way route around the Tower of London.
Yeoman Warders, also known as ‘Beefeaters’, will share key stories from 1,000 years of history. Be entertained by tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture and much more…
Learn about the Tower's iconic history as a fortress, palace and prison. Discover how William the Conqueror built the White Tower and hear tales of the prisoners who entered through Traitors' Gate.
Yeoman Warders will share details of the famous prisoners executed on Tower Green. Many are now buried nearby in the 16th-century Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.
Yeoman Warder tours are not currently in operation due to social distancing rules. Instead you will meet Yeoman Warders as you follow the route around the Tower – please take the opportunity to talk to them and ask them questions!
Please respect social distancing at all times.
Some stories may seem frightening or scary to young children.
Cancelled until further notice
The Tower of London is a historic building with difficult stairs and wheelchair access is limited. The route of the tour requires visitors to navigate a flight of 21 steps and cobbled, uneven walkways.
More on accessibility at the Tower of LondonThe 'Beefeaters', as they are nicknamed, have long been symbols of London and Britain.
It is thought their nickname is derived from their position in the Royal Bodyguard, which permitted them to eat as much beef as they wanted from the king's table.
Yeoman Warders are a detachment of the 'Yeomen of the Guard' and they have formed the Royal Bodyguard since at least 1509. Their origins stretch back as far as the reign of Edward IV (1461-83).
Yeoman Warders must have served in the armed forces for at least 22 years, reaching the rank of warrant officer, and they must also have been awarded the long service and good conduct medal.
The current contingent of warders have between them served in Northern Ireland, the Falklands War, Bosnia, the first and second Gulf conflicts and Afghanistan.
They are happy to answer your questions about the Tower and are some of the most photographed guards in London!
Today's immaculately behaved and salaried Yeoman Warders would no doubt be shocked by the complaint of Sir John Peyton, the Lieutenant of the Tower in 1598, when he declared some were 'given to drunkenness, disorders and quarrels'.
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