Meet The Tower's Newest Recruits

Beefeaters have guarded the Tower of London since the 15th century, and have long been responsible for taking care of prisoners and looking after the Crown Jewels. Today they perform more of a ceremonial role.

All 37 of them are retired members of the Armed Forces and are required to have at least 22 years experience in the military. 

A position only becomes available when someone leaves. Six weeks ago the tower took on two new recruits, one of which is only the second female Beefeater in history. 

Amanda Clark said:

"I am very proud and very honoured, I think more so just to be part of the Yeoman body, there are 405 Yeoman Warders throughout history and I am the 404th, that number to me is just magical!"  

Amanda also said that the other 36 Beefeaters are like brothers and a sister, they all support one another.

One of the perks of being a Beefeater is getting to live in the tower.

Alongside Amanda, Daniel Benson is a new recruit, he said he has to pinch himself every time he puts on the uniform.

"It's a total honour... I look out my bedroom window and I see the white tower and it is just unbelievable".

The Beefeaters rotate around a range of different posts where members of the public can approach them and ask questions.

The most common questions asked is, why are you called Beefeaters? Their answer - they are not quite sure!

There is nothing in the papers or the records of the tower to say why the nickname was given, however, it is believed that they were fed from the Kings table to check he hadn't been poisoned or that they were actually paid in beef and beer. But there is still no definitive answer to this day!