Beefeaters unveil new uniform for the new reign

Blackleaf

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Oct 9, 2004
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Ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, the Tower of London's Yeoman Warders – better known as the 'Beefeaters' – have revealed a change to their iconic uniform.

Since the Yeoman Body was created in 1485 by King Henry VII, their uniforms have continued to evolve through the centuries.

The Yeoman Warders will now wear new uniforms emblazoned with 'CIIIR', the cypher of King Charles III, ahead of his coronation on Saturday.

 

Blackleaf

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They don't appear to be eating beef. . .

Beefeaters - full official title "Yeomen Warders of His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary" - are responsible for guarding the Crown Jewels, which are kept at the Tower, looking after any Tower prisoners, and for giving tourists guided tours.

All warders are retired from the British Armed Forces and must be former warrant officers with at least 22 years of service. They must also hold the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. The garrison consists of 32 (formerly 37) Yeomen Warders and one Chief Warder.

The Yeomen Warders were formed in 1485 by the new King Henry VII, the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty. The Tudor rose, a heraldic badge of the dynasty, is part of the badge of the Yeomen Warders to this day. Founded after the Battle of Bosworth, it is the UK's oldest existing military corps and the oldest of the royal bodyguards.

The name Beefeater is of uncertain origin, with various proposed derivations. The term was common as early as the 17th century as a slang term for the English in general. The earliest connection to the Royal Household came as a reference to the Yeomen of the Guard by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, who frequented the Court in 1669. In referring to the Yeomen of the Guard, he stated, "A very large ration of beef is given to them daily at the court, and they might be called Beef-eaters". The Beefeater name was carried over to the Yeomen Warders, due to the two corps' outward similarities and the Yeoman Warders' more public presence. Beefeaters also commonly produced and consumed broths made of beef, which were described as rich and hearty. These broths were known, at the time, as bef or beffy.

 

Blackleaf

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or feeding bees

They feed ravens.

Several ravens must be kept at the Tower at all times, because legend states that if there are no ravens at the Tower then the kingdom will fall.

The Beefeater in charge of looking after them is known as the Ravenmaster...

 

55Mercury

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May 31, 2007
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They feed ravens.

Several ravens must be kept at the Tower at all times, because legend states that if there are no ravens at the Tower then the kingdom will fall.

The Beefeater in charge of looking after them is known as the Ravenmaster...

so shed those dowdy feathers and fly!