The Humour of the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London

The “Yeomen Warders” evolved from the bodyguard of the English kings and are now both guards and museum guides at the Tower of London, a ring fortress with origins in the 11th century, where the priceless Crown Jewels are kept today. Yeomen Warders are all former members of the British Army and wear a dark blue tunic with a red collar as their uniform. The guards are also known as “Beefeaters”, with several explanations for the origin of this term.

Over the centuries, a multitude of military groups and organisations have emerged in Great Britain, preserving and proudly presenting their long traditions, such as the “Life Guards” of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Horse Guards or the guards at Buckingham Palace. The inscription “E II R” below the crown stands for “Elizabeth II Regina” (Queen Elizabeth the Second) and is changed with each new monarch.

A tour of the Tower of London with one of the Yeomen Warders is an entertaining and anecdote-rich experience. With expressive gestures and facial expressions, my tour guide brings historical events, imprisoned individuals, capricious kings, or gruesome wars to life in the present. Embedded within this are valuable facts and figures, numerous amusing comments, and self-deprecating jokes with typical British humour, ensuring a captivating and worthwhile spectacle.

The Tower of London is one of the most visited attractions in London; the Tower Bridge over the Thames is right next to it

More pictures from London in the Great Britain picture gallery.