The exact salary of a Yeoman Warder, or Beefeater, can vary depending on their experience, training and length of service. According to the British Ministry of Defence, the starting salary of a Beefeater is between £28,629 and £33,691.
With more experience and time served, they are eligible to receive increments, which increase the salary up to £43,667. In addition to the basic salary, Beefeaters receive a rent-free apartment in the Tower of London and membership to a non-contributory pension scheme.
What age do Beefeaters retire?
Retirement age for Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters, who work at the Tower of London is 67. They are required to have served a minimum of 22 years in the Armed Forces before being eligible for the role.
Once recruited, they serve for an initial 10-year contract and can then apply for contractual extensions in 5-year increments until age 67. Those who retire from their Yeoman Warder positions, remain working in an advisory capacity for an additional two years if required, with a pro-rated salary.
Yeoman Warders receive an annual salary, which is approximately for £35,000 a year, and an allowance for ceremonial and working regalia, in addition to a residence in the Tower itself. They receive additional benefits like free entry to attractions around the Tower of London once they have served two years and they also benefit from a generous pension.
Do Beefeaters have to retire?
Yes, Beefeaters do have to retire, just like any other job or profession. But their retirement is a little different to most. According to the Royal Collection Trust, Beefeaters are expected to be able to retire at the age of 65.
However, they have an option to stay on in the role until they are 75 years old. As Beefeaters are appointed by Her Majesty The Queen, she has to give her permission for them to stay on beyond retirement age.
The advantage of life as a Beefeater is that they are paid a generous allowance while they are in service and, when they retire, they receive a pension in addition to this. Furthermore, retired Beefeaters are entitled to wear their official costume on formal occasions, such as ceremonial events.
In fact, many retired Beefeaters return on a regular basis to carry out regular ceremonial walks in the Tower of London.
What qualifications do you need to be a Beefeater?
The official title for a Beefeater is ‘Yeoman Warder’. In order to qualify for the role, applicants must meet a number of criteria.
Firstly, the applicant must be a UK citizen and must have served their country in the armed forces at the level of Warrant Officer, or that of Sergeant Major in the Royal Marines, or had at least 22 years of service as an Officer in any arm of the forces.
Candidates must have a good record of behaviour and a long career of exemplary service.
Additionally, applicants must be of a minimum age of 45, with a maximum age of 55, and they must not have any physical impairments which restrict their ability to perform the role’s duties.
Other requirements for the role of Yeoman Warder include language proficiency, good character, a commitment to customer service, resilience to work in a pressured environment, good teamwork skills, and the ability to manage a variety of tasks.
Finally, Yeoman Warders must be able to act as a ceremonial escort to the armed forces.
Can you get female Beefeaters?
No, you cannot get female Beefeaters. The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, known as “Beefeaters”, are all male. This has been the rule since their founding in 1485. Only male Yeoman Warders in British royal service are eligible for appointment as “Beefeaters”, and this has not changed through to the present day.
The Yeomen Warders are selected by the Crown, and must have at least 22 years of royal service as well as good character and health. Despite the fact that no female Beefeaters exist today, there is an official Ladies’ Social Club that any female partners or families of existing Beefeaters may join, which hosts events and provides support for women connected to the Beefeaters.
Are there any black Beefeaters?
At the present time, there are no black Beefeaters. Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, are appointed by the Queen of England and live at the Tower of London. They are employed to secure the Tower of London, its jewels, and its prisoners.
The Yeoman Warders are retired British military personnel who have seen at least 22 years of service. Prior to the 1990s, it was very rare for black people to enlist in the British army, so there were never a large number of them who were able to meet the criteria needed to be appointed to the Yeoman Warder post.
A 2008 BBC report noted that all of the Beefeaters at the Tower of London were white, but it mentioned that efforts were being made to enhance the diversity within the body. In 2010, the Tower of London appointed its first female Beefeaters, and also its first black, Muslim, and Asian Beefeaters.
The Tower now takes measures to ensure that there is a more inclusive range of backgrounds amongst the Warders.
Nevertheless, all current Beefeaters still remain white. To the best of our knowledge, there are yet to be any black Beefeaters appointed to the Tower of London since its 2010 update.
How long do Yeoman Warders serve?
Yeoman Warders, also known as “Beefeaters” serve for a minimum period of six years. They are technically retired members of the Armed Forces, who are also members of the ancient Order of the Bath. After their initial six-year period, they may remain as warders for life, however many choose to retire prior to this.
Each Yeoman Warder must have had at least 23 years of military service with a minimum of five years in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines, or the British Army. The Chief Warder serves in post for an indefinite period and may be reappointed after retirement.
Are Beefeaters ex military?
Yes, the Beefeaters are ex-military, as are the majority of their ranks. The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London—more commonly known as the Beefeaters—are all retired non-commissioned officers with at least 22 years of service in the British Armed Forces and have a distinguished record of operational service.
They must also have an exemplary record of personal achievements and behavior, as well as display a broad knowledge of and an allegiance to British history.
The duties of the Yeomen Warders are diverse, including the custody of the Tower, its Crown Jewels, their Royal Armory and its historic artifacts. Beefeaters also carry out ceremonial duties and tour guide duties, such as those that can be experienced on the Tower of London Experience, which allows visitors to tour the Tower via video guides and in-person guides.
The code of the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London commands them to: ‘Attend diligently and obediently to your charge, and see that none persons whatsoever admit or admitted at any of the gates without special command,’ thus ensuring that their military expertise is put to use in protecting the Tower and its visitors.
Do Beefeaters families live in the Tower of London?
No, Beefeaters and their families do not live in the Tower of London. The Beefeaters, also known as the Yeomen Warders, are members of the Royal Bodyguard of the British monarch and they live in retirement flats located in Cannongate Gardens, near the Tower of London.
Though the flats were originally provided for the families of Beefeaters, the rule has since been changed and today the spaces are only used for single or married couples who are active members of the Beefeaters or those who have retired from service.
The flats offer a range of amenities, including a 24-hour emergency response service, a gym and a cafe.
Where do the Beefeaters live when they retire?
When a Beefeater retires from service at the Tower of London, they typically have the option of either taking up accommodation in the Yeoman Warders’ and Military Pensioners’ Lodges in the Tower precincts, or of opting for a flat with benefits outside the Tower walls.
At the Tower, the Warders’ and Pensioners’ Lodges offer domestic and social services including meals, bar facilities, games rooms, and access to a library and gyms. Further afield, those who opt for non-Tower accommodation may choose to stay in a flat or ground rent property, with these residence’s being offered in the Tower Hill area, as well as in parts of East Anglia and Essex.
For those who choose to stay within the Tower of London, they also have the opportunity to volunteer in educational activities and to join social clubs, including the Tower’s ‘Beefeater Club’.
Why are the soldiers called Beefeaters?
The origin of the name “Beefeaters” is believed to come from the French term “buffetier,” which means “an officer in charge of provisions. ” It was first used to describe an official in the King’s household whose job was to taste food before it was served to the King in order to ensure that it wasn’t poisoned.
Due to their high-ranking position, the Beefeaters were given the best cuts of beef, leading to their nickname. Today’s 38 Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London, or “Beefeaters,” are royal bodyguards and have a unique code of honour that includes once every week performing a Ceremony of the Keys.
For over 600 years, the Beefeaters have been part of the Tower of London. Their official job is to keep watch, guard and maintain the ancient fortress and its priceless Crown Jewels!.
How old are the Beefeaters?
The Yeoman Warders, commonly known as the “Beefeaters”, typically serve a minimum of 22 years in The Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary which is one of the oldest ceremonial units in the country.
The Beefeaters are recruited from retired members from the British Armed Forces who have served for a minimum of 22 years and who have attained the rank of Warrant Officer (Class I). The oldest age for entry onto the unit is 56, but most of the Beefeaters are ususally around 60-65 years old.
The last regiment of The Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London were founded in 1485, making the Beefeaters an ancient unit as old, or even older, at the Tower of London itself. Even though the title and costume of the Beefeaters has changed throughout the years based on style and fashion, the service of protecting and guarding the Tower, along with the Crown Jewels, has remained a purpose of the Yeoman Warders throughout its 500+ year history.
What’s the difference between Beefeaters and Yeoman?
Beefeaters and Yeoman are two distinct and important roles within British society, and yet they serve very different purposes.
Beefeaters, also known as Yeomen Warders, serve as ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London and its historic treasures. They are members of the Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary, which is the oldest continuous military force in Britain.
Most are former Army or Royal Navy non-commissioned officers or warrant officers and serve on ceremonial occasions like state funerals. These Yeoman Warders must live within the Tower’s walls, and abide by a set of strict rules, including not marrying or having children.
On the other hand, Yeoman are lower-ranking officials appointed by the Crown to oversee various aspects of a shire, such as justice, tax collection, and administration. These officers often play a ‘hands-on’ role in their community, dealing with everyday tasks including law enforcement, advising on local disputes, investigating crime, and helping to manage local resources.
The duties of a Yeoman vary greatly depending on the area in which they are serving, and are subject to change.
In summary, the key difference between Beefeaters and Yeomans is that the former is a ceremonial position, while the latter is an administrative function.
