Historic Royal Palaces – The Tower Community

Those Who Live Inside the Tower of London

Aug 24, 2009 Kim Rush

The Tower of London is home to nearly 150 people and a small number of ravens.

In addition to being a major visitor attraction in London, the Tower of London is home a small community of families and animals.

The Yeoman Warders

The majority of those living at the Tower are Yeoman Warders, also known as “Beefeaters,” and their families. The Yeoman Warders are descended from a troop of soldiers who were responsible for guarding the gates and the royal prisoners housed at the Tower. During the reign of Henry VIII, these soldiers were given the privilege of wearing the royal livery. The Yeoman Warders have two uniforms. The first, a blue undress uniform, was introduced in 1858. The red and gold uniform is worn for special occasions such as church parades and when royalty visits the Tower. Today, there are about 40 Yeoman Warders who live at the Tower. They are Extraordinary Members of the Queen’s Bodyguard. Each member is a former warrant officers for the armed forces with at least 22 years of service. In addition to the Yeoman Warders, a military guard also guards the Tower of London. These guards are part of the same regiments that guard Buckingham Palace.

Officials at the Tower

The Tower has its own chaplain and doctor. The commander is known as the Resident Governor. In the beginning, the commandeer was known as the Constable. Those duties, which include the daily administration of the fortress, have been performed by the Resident Governor since 1858. The post of Constable still exists, however, and a new Constable is appointed every five years.

The Ravens

Along with the Yeoman Warders, perhaps the most famous of the Tower’s residents are the ravens. The origin of the ravens at the Tower is unknown. Their presence is protected by a legend that originated during the reign of Charles II. When the royal ‘astrological observatory,’ John Flamsteed complained that the ravens were interfering with his views from the White Tower, Charles ordered the destruction of the birds. He was told, however, that if the ravens left, the Tower of London would fall and the kingdom with it. As a result, a limited number were allowed to remain at the Tower. Today, the seven ravens are kept in an area adjacent to the Wakefield Tower. They are cared for by the Ravenmaster, a member of the Yeoman Warders. Their wings are clipped to prevent them from flying away.

Sources:

Thurley, Simon, et al. The Tower of London. London: Historic Royal Palaces Agency, 1996.

Historic Royal Palaces. “The Ravens” (accessed August 21, 2009)

Historic Royal Palaces. “Yeomen Warders” (accessed August 21, 2009)

The copyright of the article Historic Royal Palaces – The Tower Community in UK/Irish History is owned by Kim Rush. Permission to republish Historic Royal Palaces – The Tower Community in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A Beefeater