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For a female Beefeater

A break with tradition at the Tower of London

LONDON: They are as much a part of the Tower of London as the Crown Jewels, the ravens and the suits of armour. Since 1485, the Yeoman warders — all men — have patrolled the parapets and passages of the royal fortress on the banks of the Thames.

But on Tuesday the tower broke with tradition, and said it is in the process of hiring its first female Yeoman Warder. The woman has not yet been named. However, it is known that she is currently serving in Britain's armed forces — all warders are also soldiers — and will join the fortress' 35 other warders at the end of the summer.

"There were six candidates for the vacancy, and she was the only female," a spokesperson said. "She was awarded the job on merit — she will replace one who is retiring."

The warders, who wear blue and red uniforms and figure in countless holiday snapshots, are known colloquially as Beefeaters because of the rations of meat they were being given during medieval times.

While their role was initially to provide security for the Tower — a 900-year-old fortress built by William the Conqueror — and to guard the famous captives the castle has held, they now spend most of their days guiding lots of tourists around the castle and posing patiently for photographs. They attend coronations, lyings-in-state and charity functions.

Ann Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, was held prisoner at the fortress before she was executed on Tower Green in 1536. — AP

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