So You Want to Count Beefeaters? A Guide to the Tower of London's Guardians
Ever looked at those spiffy Tudor dudes guarding the Crown Jewels and thought, "There must be a bunch of them, right?" Well, you're not wrong, my friend! But before you grab your imaginary clicker and descend upon the Tower of London, let's delve into the fascinating world of the Yeoman Warders, also known as the legendary Beefeaters (though spoiler alert: they probably never actually ate a lot of beef).
How Many Beefeaters Guard the Tower? Not as Many as You Might Think!
Traditionally, there were 37 Yeoman Warders guarding the Tower. That's a respectable crew, enough to keep an eye on those pesky ravens and anyone else with sticky fingers for the Crown Jewels. But fear not, history buffs! The Tower recently downsized the Beefeater battalion to a lean, mean guarding machine of 32 Warders, plus the ever-important Chief Warder.
Why the Downsize? Don't the Royals Need More Beefeater Bodyguards?
Now, you might be thinking, "32? Isn't that cutting corners on royal security?" Relax, the Queen sleeps soundly at night (probably not wearing the Crown Jewels to bed, by the way). The Yeoman Warders are no longer solely focused on guarding the royals and their bling. These days, they're more like celebrity tour guides in their iconic uniforms, regaling visitors with tales of the Tower's history.
But don't be fooled by the friendly smiles! These Warders are all retired military personnel, so they're tough cookies when needed. Plus, they still have the ceremonial duty of locking the Tower gates each night in a rather dramatic ceremony (because, hey, tradition!).
So, How Do You Become a Beefeater? It's Not Just About the Fancy Threads!
Forget dressing up like Henry VIII and strolling into the Tower. To become a Yeoman Warder, you need some serious qualifications:
- Be a military veteran: Waving a plastic sword in your backyard doesn't count.
- Have a stellar record: Think medals and glowing recommendations.
- Be a history buff: Knowing your Henry VIII from your Henry VII is a plus.
- Be a people person: Those tourists aren't going to entertain themselves.
Basically, you gotta be a tough, knowledgeable, and charismatic individual to join this elite group.
Beefeater FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably)
How to become a Beefeater? (See above; it's not a cakewalk!)
How much do Beefeaters get paid? Their salaries are kept under wraps, but it's enough to live comfortably within the Tower walls (and maybe afford a decent steak once in a while).
Can I just visit the Tower and see the Beefeaters? Absolutely! They're a major tourist attraction. Just be prepared for crowds – everyone wants a selfie with a Beefeater.
Do they really eat a lot of beef? Nope! The nickname "Beefeater" likely comes from their prestigious position (they were considered "eaters of the King's beef") or from their impressive salaries allowing them to afford meat regularly (a luxury back in the day).
Are the Beefeaters the same as the Yeomen of the Guard? Nope, again! Though both have impressive uniforms and historical ties, the Yeomen of the Guard are a separate royal bodyguard unit.
