First Female Beefeater Ever at London Tower

London Beefeater -- what in the world is that anyway?

Well....here's what one looks like. But this one is obviously a male. Now, for the first time in 500 years there is a female Yeomen (Yeowoman?) at the London Tower.

Beefeater in Costume at the Tower of London, London, EnglandPhotographic Print
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You know, the Tower of London, that infamous place where queens were imprisoned and beheaded and now one of the largest tourist attractions in the world.

Moira Cameron, a female, joined the all male force this year, 2007. The group was formed in 1485. That's even a few years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

Their original purpose was to provide security for the Tower and to guard the famous captives. Now the 35 beefeaters, or yeomen guide the 2 million visitors and pose for snapshots.

I have some photos somewhere of these gallant and friendly folks, but I'm too lazy right now to dig them out and scan them, so have provided a brilliant photo above that you may even purchase.

These folks love to smile, talk to tourists and have their photo taken. Often there is a friendly black crow by their side. (Yes, crows can be friendly. We tamed two when I was growing up....but that's another story, right?)

These people also guard the crown jewels which includes the St. Edward Crown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her 1953 coronation. The jewels are on display at the tower. (I've often wondered if they are copies or the real thing? My untrained eyes could not tell. Would you put mere glass between your country's priceless jewels and the masses? I think not.)

Cameron, a Scot who beat five men to secure the coveted post, said, "You do the job for prestige, and because you meet people every day. It's a wonderful place to work."

The tower was started by King William I shortly after he conquered England in 1066.

Famous prisoners include Sir Walter Raleigh, three times: Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess: and Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth I.

Two wives of Henry VIII -- Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard -- were beheaded at the Tower....well, maybe being a peasant is better after all.

The beefeater nickname is thought to come from the guards' former privilege of having their fill of beef from the king's table.

There has been no official ban on woman being a beefeater, but Britain's Ministry of Defense said it was only recently that many women chalking up as many hours in the military as men.

Cameron joined the army at age 16 and has served for 22 years in the military.

So....what's this world coming to?

Go to Kari's main page to see where else she's been after beefeaters.

Oh.....don't miss the horrible torture chambers at the tower...they will scare the robber out of you.

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