Who Are the Beefeaters?
The Yeoman Warders — universally known as Beefeaters — are among the most recognisable figures in British ceremonial life. Their Tudor-era uniforms, distinctive red and gold, have been part of the Tower's identity since Henry VIII. But these are not actors or re-enactors. Every Yeoman Warder is a former senior non-commissioned officer in the British Armed Forces, with a minimum of 22 years' service and long-service and good conduct medals.
There are currently 37 Yeoman Warders (including the first women admitted in 2007). They live in the Tower, within the inner ward, in housing that dates from the Victorian era. Their families live here too. Children born to Yeoman Warders within the Tower are considered citizens of the Tower — one of the very few places in Britain where this distinction still exists.
The Warders perform ceremonial duties, assist with security, and lead the public tours that have been running daily for generations. Their knowledge of the Tower is unmatched — accumulated across years of living and working within its walls.
I've done the free public Beefeater tour multiple times and a private tour once. The difference is significant. On the public tour, you're moving as a large group — 30 to 50 people — through a pre-set route with a guide doing their best to project over the background noise. On the private tour, the group is small, the pace is set by the guide, and the stories go places the public tour never reaches. The guide I was with spent 20 minutes on the story of Thomas More's imprisonment and execution — that kind of depth simply isn't possible with 40 people and a fixed schedule. If you care about history at all, this is worth the premium.
Free Tour vs Private Beefeater Tour: The Real Difference
| Feature | Free Public Tour | Private Beefeater Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included in admission | Separate ticket required |
| Group size | 30–50 people | Typically 6–12 people |
| Duration | ~60 minutes | 2–3 hours |
| Locations covered | Highlights route | Extended route + extras |
| Personal interaction | Limited | ✔ High |
| Behind-the-scenes access | ✗ | ✔ Sometimes |
| Q&A with Warder | Brief | ✔ Extensive |
| Photography opportunity | Limited | ✔ Better access |
| Priority entry | ✗ | ✔ |
What Does a Private Beefeater Tour Cover?
The exact route varies depending on the Warder and the group, but a typical private Beefeater tour includes:
Tower Green and the execution site
Seven people were executed on Tower Green — including two of Henry VIII's wives (Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard) and Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen for nine days before being beheaded at the age of 16. The site is marked by a permanent memorial designed by Brian Catling. On a public tour, you hear this story in brief. On a private tour, your Warder may spend 15–20 minutes here, covering each execution in the context of the politics and personalities involved.
The Bloody Tower
Named for the alleged imprisonment and death of the Princes in the Tower — the two young sons of Edward IV who disappeared in 1483, almost certainly murdered. The mystery of who ordered their deaths — Richard III, Henry Stafford, or others — remains unsolved. Your Beefeater guide will lay out the evidence and let you draw your own conclusions. The room where the princes allegedly slept is preserved and open.
Traitors' Gate and the river entrance
The water gate used by prisoners arriving by barge from the Thames. Anne Boleyn came through here. So did Thomas More. Your guide brings the personal stories to life at the very spot where they happened.
The Crown Jewels
The private tour includes admission to the Crown Jewels. Your Warder provides context for what you're seeing — not just descriptions of the pieces, but the history behind them. The Imperial State Crown was made for George VI's coronation in 1937. The Cullinan I diamond in the Sovereign's Sceptre was cut from the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, in South Africa in 1905.
Ravens and the Ravenmaster
The six (or more) resident ravens and their dedicated Ravenmaster — whose full title is Yeoman Warder Ravenmaster — are a unique feature of the Tower. The ravens are semi-tame and have individual personalities and names. Your guide will know them personally and can explain the superstition (if they ever leave, the kingdom falls) and the less superstitious realities of keeping corvids happy in central London.
The Free Beefeater Tour — What to Expect
Even if you don't book a private tour, the free Beefeater tour included with admission is genuinely excellent and should not be skipped. Here's how to get the most out of it:
When do free tours depart?
Tours depart every 30 minutes from just inside the main gate — near the Byward Tower — starting from around 10 minutes after the Tower opens. The last tour departs approximately one hour before closing time. You don't need to pre-book; just turn up near the departure point and wait for the next tour.
Tips for the free tour
- Arrive early: the first tour of the day has the smallest group
- Stand near the front: the Warder projects their voice well, but being close helps in noisy conditions
- Bring questions: Warders love genuine questions, especially historically specific ones
- Don't rush off: at the end of the tour, the Warder typically lingers for a few minutes for photos and additional questions
History of the Yeoman Warders
The office of Yeoman Warder dates to at least 1485, when Henry VII established the Yeomen of the Guard following his victory at Bosworth Field. The Tower-based Warders are technically a separate body from the Yeomen of the Guard who still attend royal ceremonies — but both trace their origins to the same Tudor appointment.
For centuries, the Warders' primary role was guarding prisoners. The Tower held prisoners of the highest political significance: Sir Walter Raleigh (twice), Rudolf Hess (briefly, in 1941), and most famously the generation of Tudor court figures whose fates shaped English history. Today, the 37 Warders serve as guardians of the Tower's traditions, guides to its history, and custodians of its ceremonies.
The Warder's full uniform — worn for ceremonial occasions and photographs — dates from the Tudor period and includes a doublet, knee breeches and stockings in royal blue and red. The everyday blue uniform, used for general duties, was introduced more recently. Both are striking; neither is comfortable in summer heat.
Beefeater Tour FAQs
The public Beefeater tour is free with standard admission and departs every 30 minutes from inside the main gate. Private Beefeater tours require a separate ticket but offer a more intimate, in-depth experience with a smaller group.
The origin of the nickname is debated. The most common explanation is that Yeoman Warders historically received rations of beef from the royal household — a privilege that set them apart from other servants. The term "beefeater" appears in writings from the 17th century referring to well-fed palace servants. The Warders themselves use the term without embarrassment.
Yes. Yeoman Warders on duty outside the Tower or between tours are generally happy to pose for photographs. After the free public tour, most Warders pause for a few minutes for photos. On a private tour, there's considerably more time and opportunity for photographs.
No advance booking is required for the free public tour. Simply turn up at the departure point inside the main gate and join the next tour. On very busy days the group can be large — if you want a smaller group experience, consider arriving for the first tour of the day.