How To Become A Yeoman Warder

So, there I was, wandering around the Tower of London, minding my own business, when I stumbled upon this group of guys in Tudor-era uniforms. They were marching in formation, looking all serious and important. I thought to myself, "Now that's a job I could get behind. Dress up in fancy clothes, strut around, maybe even carry a halberd. Sign me up!"

Turns out, these guys are called Yeoman Warders, or more famously, Beefeaters. And guess what? You can become one too. Fancy a career change? Let's dive into the world of the Tower, where history meets tourism, and find out how to become a Yeoman Warder.

First things first, who are these Beefeaters?

Yeoman Warders are ceremonial guards who have been protecting the Crown Jewels and the Tower of London since the 15th century. They're a mix of history, tradition, and a whole lot of pageantry. They're also responsible for giving tours of the Tower, so if you've ever been there and heard a fascinating story, chances are it was from one of these guys.

But here's the thing, they're not just tour guides in fancy costumes. They're also working security, maintaining the Tower's buildings, and even helping with state visits. It's a job that's part history, part security, part tourism, and all tradition.

So, how do you become a Yeoman Warder?

1. Serve in the Armed Forces

First off, you need to have served in the British Armed Forces for at least 22 years. That's right, 22 years. This isn't a job you can just walk into after a few years in the military. You've got to put in some serious time. But hey, if you've got the dedication and the service record, you're off to a good start.

Oh, and you need to have reached the rank of warrant officer or its equivalent. So, no, this isn't a job for fresh-faced recruits. You've got to have some serious experience under your belt.

BBC Radio Devon - John Acres, 13/06/2023, Emily Lewis-Garwood, who grew

2. Apply to the Yeoman Warder's Office

Once you've got your 22 years of service, you can apply to the Yeoman Warder's Office. But don't think you can just waltz in and expect to get the job. There's a rigorous selection process that includes interviews, medical exams, and even a test on your knowledge of the Tower's history.

And here's where it gets interesting, only one new Yeoman Warder is appointed each year. That's right, you're competing with every other veteran who thinks they've got what it takes to guard the Crown Jewels. It's like the Hunger Games of historical tourism, but with less fire and more history.

3. Get sworn in

If you make it through the selection process, you'll be sworn in as a Yeoman Warder in a ceremony at the Tower. It's a big deal, with all the pomp and circumstance you'd expect from a job that's been around since the 15th century.

And that's it! You're now a fully fledged Yeoman Warder, ready to guard the Crown Jewels, give tours to visitors, and generally look awesome in your Tudor-era uniform.

Yeoman warder | Ceremonial Guards, Tower of London, & Historic Uniforms

But wait, there's more!

Being a Yeoman Warder isn't just about the job, it's about the lifestyle. You'll live in the Tower of London, right in the heart of the city. You'll be part of a close-knit community of warders, their families, and the other staff who live and work in the Tower.

And here's a fun fact for you, Yeoman Warders get to keep their uniforms when they retire. So, if you ever see someone wandering around London in a Tudor-era uniform, it's probably a former Beefeater. Now that's a retirement plan I can get behind.

So, are you ready to become a Yeoman Warder?

It's not an easy job, and it's certainly not a quick one. But if you've got the service record, the dedication, and the love of history, it could be the perfect career move. Just remember, only one new Yeoman Warder is appointed each year. So, you've got some stiff competition. But if you've got what it takes, who knows? You could be the next Beefeater guarding the Crown Jewels.

And who knows, maybe I'll see you there. I mean, who wouldn't want to dress up in a fancy uniform and strut around the Tower of London? It's not every day you get to combine history, tourism, and security into one awesome job.