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LONDON - The Tower of London's guardians are enlisting woman power for the first time in 522 years.
The Beefeaters - known for their scarlet and gold tunic, white ruff, red stockings and black patent shoes - have appointed their first female member. She is serving in the armed forces and will take up her new job mid-year.
Her full title is "Yeoman Warder of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary".
Beefeaters, believed to have earned their nickname from their daily ration of meat, date from 1485 when King Henry VII formed a bodyguard. There are just 35 of them, plus the Chief Yeoman Warder and Yeoman Gaoler. To apply to become a Beefeater, candidates must have a minimum of 22 years' service in the armed forces and have earned medals for long service and good conduct.
- REUTERS
