The King's Bodyguards - Ep. 2: Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London

A series explaining the history, uniforms and roles of the many British royal ceremonial units.
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.o...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: Ministry of Defence; Sodacan; Duncan; RedCoat; Son of Groucho; Bernard Gagnon; Michel awl; Kenneth Allen; fotogoocom; Jordiferrer; Rudolph.A.Furtado

[@The_Original_Brad_Miller]

Watched bits of the Queens funeral yesterday, you have to hand it to the British, when it comes to pomp and ceremony, no one does it better.

[@rob5944]

Thanks, I think we've just about enough troops left. Might have to do what the Soviets did in the 1941 red square parade....send 'em round the block to go past again lol.

[@Perktube1]

They are indeed good at pageantry.

[@olivere5497]

As a british, i can confirm, its me 45 minutes just to get out of bed due to pomp and ceremony.

[@AdamBechtol]

I bet those 6 ravens disagree.

[@skiller189x4]

When I was the Ass’t U.S. Army Attaché in London in the late 90’s, I had a chance to see the late night “Ceremony of the keys” at the Tower of London, as well as see the Crown Jewels. It was a memorable visit.

[@rherman9085]

Hey, Thank you for your service! We are grateful.

[@SimonSNB]

My Grandad was a yeoman warder and later the Raven Master from 1982 to about 2001. He had no end of stories of his time there. One of my favourite stories was when one of the ravens died. Everyone else was wondering what to do and how they were going to get a new one, while all this is going on, my grandad drove up to RAF Northolt and asked some apparently bored pilots if they'd fly him up to Scotland so he could get a new raven. They jumped at the opportunity and were more than happy to fly him there and back when my grandad got back to the Tower with the raven, everyone else was still humming and hawing about how to get the replacement raven. Fair to say they were all quite shocked when he produced the new one onto the table, hot off the presses from Scotland saying "what? This one you mean?". I suppose that's just how they make them in the marines. He died in 2016 before I really took an interest in military matters. One hell of a man and a marine until the end, I'll tell you that much. Loved him to bits.

[@keptinkrunchactual]

How this man has only 287K subscribers rather than 2.87M subscibers is beyond me. This channel is one of the rare ones that is required viewing (in my estimation). Keep them coming good sir!

[@Blyskawica1]

Hear, hear!

[@KennenSieKino]

The full ‚real’ Mark Felton Productions channel has 1.74M subscribers. This seems to be his War Stories channel with ‚just‘ 287K.

[@stopitas5790]

So..when the government returns the stolen diamonds, gold and other cultural treasures that the British empire stole during its imperial time .

[@mj6463]

@@stopitas5790 lol ok bot.

[@stopitas5790]

@@mj6463 the truth always hurts executioner and everything will pay off

[@austinhan6998]

Came to the Tower to see the Crown Jewels, but stayed for the Yeomen tour. I cannot compliment them enough; they’re professional in conduct (at least when giving tours), charismatic in their reverence for their history, infectiously proud of their military career and place as Yeomen, and first-class grillmasters by how deftly they roast tourists and historical figures alike.

[@mrcjc9298]

They're former warrant officers, old Sargent majors. Imagine Windsor Davies in character, with some mouthy tourist. SHUT UP🤣🤣

[@tobytaylor2154]

@@mrcjc9298 one guarding the queen laying in state is x sbs.

[@trooperdgb9722]

Brilliantly put! Thats exactly it!

[@nicholassrfliess]

It seems we are distantly related, Anne Boleyn is my 5th cousin 13x removed…🎉and Edward III. is my 18th great grandfather…😋 I am a huge fan of your videos, love them!

[@alisonbritton2988]

I think I am in the same general cohort. Descended from the Plantagenet kings, and then Alice Boleyn (aunt of Anne B).

[@nicholassrfliess]

@@alisonbritton2988 we are legion, so to speak…😉

[@vagabondabbie]

We are related.

[@mtkoslowski]

You know Mark, you have a way of making all the material that you have laid your hands on very interesting and therefore I’ll wager that this channel will have a healthy output for years to come. It’s something I look forward to.

[@nmcgunagle]

The raven master is also on KZbin. His channel is Ravenology with Chris Skaife. Enjoy!

[@constancemiller3753]

Thank you. I have a raven carved from coal that friends brought home from the Tower. I love the stories of the Tower's ravens.

[@cornbread8246]

Dr. Felton, many thanks for your explanation of the origins of the term Beefeaters. A term truly anchored in history.

[@Locutus]

Possible explanation. He said possible. No one knows _for sure_ where the term comes from - it's been lost to time. Educated guesses.

[@MyTv-]

They always reminds me of Terry Pratchett’s disc world parody of the changing of the keys. In his version, you can’t change tradition but you can add to it, hilarious.

[@ganm345]

Brilliant series Mark, keep them coming. I realised during her Majesty’s funeral just how ignorant I am about the whole set up (at the age of 30…!)

[@herseem]

They might be officially ceremonial now, but if they're all retired warrant officers with at least 22 years service, they're all going to be pretty tough characters if trouble kicked off.

[@Thats_Mr_Random_Person_to_you]

And there are videos of very stupid and sometimees very rude tourists getting a severe telling off... I saw a vid of one tourist who had (for reasons only known to them) thrown there hat near one of the foot guards, who clearly wasn't going to react/pick it up and give it back as that what I think the lady wanted (footgaurds at any of the palaces can be docked pay if they do anything deemed 'improper' when on duty, and for the army, that is a very low bar... reacting in the way the lady wanted would likely have counted). The Yeoman warder didn't mince words... he was never 'rude' (ie never swore or overly raised his voice) but he gave her one hell of a talking to.... I think they might have even been escorted out of the tower after the incident. No warrent officer serves for 22yrs and suddenly becomes incapable of handling themselves! I would never want to get on the wrong side of them thats for sure! Whilst the footguards are armed with guns and very sharp bayonets (I'm led to believe they are still all armed with live ammo at all palaces they have historically for sure but not sure about modern practice) they still would leave any serious distruption to the police force who have a contingent of armed officers around as well due to the nature of items stored there and the crowds each day etc.

[@gabriellen.2886]

Thank you, Prof. Felton. Tradition fascinates to no end; history is eternal. How interesting to learn these amazing things!

[@SASCAT1972]

My old RSM (Patrick Nolan) was the first non-British Yeoman.

[@davidking3923]

Was he a New Zealander?

[@lukealadeen7836]

@@davidking3923 no he was African-American

[@atfjacknz]

​@@davidking3923 Yes he was, he is a great bloke.

[@stephenrandall3551]

I think you are all jesting, he sounds Irish to me.

[@timothyscott6432]

Thanks Mark, you're a true historian. I loved the Tower of London, visited it many times when I was stationed in England! USAF!

[@larrybomber83]

I am so happy to see that some traditions never change.

[@garypulliam3740]

But it did change Larry. Larry, they let women be yeomen now, Larry.

[@WillmobilePlus]

The Ceremony of the Keys is likely one of the first things whose dialogue changed.

[@Roller_Ghoster]

You are related to Anne Boleyn. Thats amazing. A historian with a historic background.

[@TankerBricks]

Mark. Thanks for providing my Tuesday night Entertainment!

[@mgreen7063]

Saw this late: When I was visiting the Tower in 1998, I took a picture of a Yeoman Warder, unaware of the tradition to tip them a pound for doing so. Imagine my surprise when I went back for a longer visit in 2009 and saw the same fellow leading my tour! I was pleased to pass him a larger note; whether that went to their favorite charity or to the pub, I don't know, but I was glad to excise my debt. Thanks.

[@mrhamburger6936]

I have a lot of respect for these bodyguards and guards they put a lot of themselves in their job

[@andrewsema359]

Thx again Mark. This is the history classes I missed way back…when 😂😂😂

[@albertschultz7151]

Thank you. Fascinating to finally get an explanation to these very old historical Armed Forces units.

[@kennysherrill6542]

Thank you again, I know nothing about the Guards and have always wondered. 👍👍👍👍👍♥️🇺🇸

[@yindyamarra]

First time I had seen the honourable gentleman arms beside the queens gun carriage , I thought wow they look majestic,one of them had a cane, and in his walking it just looked so good

[@tennesseehomesteader6175]

What I would give to travel back in time and hear the discussion first hand of when the first people were discussing naming the yeoman 🤣

[@daniellabra4186]

Dr. Felton, as you may understand a statement such as "my ancestor, Anne boleyn" cannot go unnoticed... Would you mind to elaborate?? ☺

[@WarStorieswithMarkFelton]

1st cousin 16x removed - I descend directly from her aunt.

[@digitallove655]

Thankyou for the videos you make Dr.Felton you provide a wealth of information and go so in depth to every detail. Absolutely deserve every subscriber you have and way more .

[@christyhart8254]

Always interesting and fascinating material! Thanks Dr. Felton!

[@christopherbraiden6713]

Thanks for the video Mr Felton, very interesting and informative article on our history and other. Have seen the ceremony of the keys in the dark, awesome but spooky too!!😎🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💯

[@lindymcbroom953]

Dr. Felton you are amazing!

[@mr.crapper7197]

Super, Mark. I searched I don't think you have done anything on the Royal Guard. Thank You.

[@potato8780]

Thank you 😊

[@StuSaville]

Sounds weird but even while watching the Queens funeral procession, her death didn't truly sink in until I saw the escort of Beefeaters and realized that was the last time we will see *E* *R* emblazoned upon their uniforms.

[@timrobinson6573]

I'd like to hear more about the locking of the gates, the oldest military ceremony. What other old military ceremonies are there around the world?

[@trooperdgb9722]

The ceremonies of "Colours"and "Sunset" in Commonwealth (and probably other) Navys. "Beating the retreat"...which originally dates to 1690... On a lighter note.. "Crossing the Line" on Naval ships...

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

They might be ceremonial, but I'm willing to bet they would more than hold their own if someone gives them a hard time. They have my utmost respect.

[@kutter_ttl6786]

No surprise. Considering the job requirements for the job there's decades of military experience in the Yeoman of the Guard.

[@abmong]

Well that's the point of them all being military veterans.

[@bryansammis998]

I’ll bet they have some serious firepower hidden in a nearby umbrella stand next to them🤔👍

[@cammobunker]

Allegedly at night the Guards Detachment of the Tower (Not the Yeoman Warders, but the regular troops) stand duty with standard issue infantry uniforms and gear, rifles and live ammo. You have to know that the Jewel House is one of the most heavily secured and alarmed places in the UK and possibly the world. I would also imagine that the troops that guard the tower are the pick of the Guards Regiments, as are all the troops at the various palaces entrusted with the Royal family and properties. I do know that they take the job of guarding Her (now His, I suppose) Majesty extremely seriously. I do not know if the Troops at Buckingham Palace are given live ammo during regular guard shifts, but it has been said that the Tower guards are and are fully expected to be willing to use it should they be so ordered.

[@christophernixon367]

@@cammobunker ... actually, other British and Commonwealth regiments also carry out ceremonial duties at the Tower of London...

[@UmvimvaniT]

Wonderful! Keep them coming. So interesting. Thank you ❤❤

[@davidcomtedeherstal]

This is interesting. I hope to learn more about these ceremonial, yet modern troups.

[@anthonycarty9433]

Thanks for the complement , I'm a Brit but not a royalist but I wholeheartedly agree with you . I sometimes wish I could muster the enthusiasm for the ' firm ' when I see a spectacle like QE 's funeral etc . Sorry, this reply was meant for Bradd Millers post .

[@RaiderLeo69]

The British treasure tradition! That’s commendable especially in today’s insane world! Respect!

[@mycroft1905]

Very timely for Monday's proceedings. TFP

[@onestepbeyond5221]

Very interesting Mark, 🇬🇧👍

[@Commandant_OCC]

Anne Boleyn is a ancestor of mine too.

[@donovandavidsonAlton]

Thanks for the informtion Mark very good

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Amazing....Thanks

[@jb6027]

Another most excellent video.

[@DrGull1888]

The Raven Master also made it into German 6th grade school books.

[@Swoost]

Imagine seeing Yeoman Warder Ravenmaster on someones resume

[@popeyethepirate5473]

When I went to the Tower of London the first thing I thought when I saw the guard was this guy could snap me like a twig. I then asked about their uniforms but I called them an outfit. The guy was like "wha!? This is a uniform! Then I was like "yea... Your costume." He wasn't very happy

[@rdhunkins]

Rightly so…

[@popeyethepirate5473]

@@rdhunkins couldn't help but troll a little bit. Especially if he's going to get mad that I used the wrong word lol.

[@RCAvhstape]

So how long were you in the hospital?

[@popeyethepirate5473]

@@RCAvhstape luckily my father was there to deescalate lol

[@Inkling777]

He wasn't surprised. These guys are former military warrant officers. They're used to deal with young recruits who mouth off stupidly.

[@abzzeus]

The ceremony of the keys is rumoured to only have every been late on one occasion - 29 December 1940 - as a bomb exploded and knocked them off their feet. That's right they carried on in an air raid with bombs exploding around them. They dusted themselves off, and completed the task. They reported the delay to the King, who replied "Delay excused due to enemy action"

[@Sammy1234568910]

The Yeomen of the Guard can be identified from the Yeomen Warders by their cross belt, which is not worn by the Yeomen Warders

[@Perktube1]

Are they both in this video?

[@Sammy1234568910]

@@Perktube1 no the yeomen of the guard was the previous video

[@em1osmurf]

Warders of the Realm wore straight jackets with a waist belt. castle yeomen wore the crossed guard belts. family legend has it that they supported carrying two swords. i gave my father's sword to my nephew. daddy's service as a marine (ww2). only man i've ever known that could quietly state that he'd killed men with his bare hands, and not frighten me. i miss him.

[@mitchmatthews6713]

Mark can make the phone book interesting.

[@dusty7264]

Fantastic video 👍

[@1982rrose]

Watching the service for Her Majesty I saw the Honourable Corp but am not familiar with them. Thank you for your great work Dr Felton.

[@bigsarge2085]

We met and talked with Warder Moira Cameron, the first female Yeoman Warder, back in 2012 while on vacation in the U.K. If you get the chance to speak with her, her personal story is a fascinating addition to the history of the Tower!

[@Jabberstax]

If you're a Beefeater then you get to live in apartments in the Tower of London. How cool is that!

[@prof2yousmithe444]

Loved this!!!!

[@vk2ig]

Visited the Tower many years ago, and enjoyed the tour conducted by one of the Yeomen. Really good tour, too. (He had to get cross with one tourist who insisted on filming him after two earlier warnings.)

[@tommydarbe1524]

Wow, You need a second page just to put that job title on a resume. Great work on U tube Mark.

[@rodritchison1995]

Tom Clancy mentioned the "Ceremony of the Keys" in the first section of his book, "Patriot Games."

[@mrcjc9298]

I didn’t realise the yeomen and the beefeaters were two separate organisations.

[@mrcjc9298]

@Real Aiglon the yeomen and the tower wardens I mean.

[@nordicson2835]

Thank you.

[@snakemanmike]

I love their hats!

[@tomalong99]

They are more than capable of defending their sovereign and themselves with harsh language.

[@michael5265]

Excellent explanation mark, my maternal grandmothers ancestors where extraordinary yoeman warders and also part of the tower hamlets trained band that owed service to constable of the tower. Another part of her ancestors where brought to London as warders and clerks from Carlisle, Shackleford and Dublin by the Archbishop of Canterbury to work at Lambeth in 1390. While the rest came from Wakefield as warders.

[@Perktube1]

Thanks for explaining the uniforms. I had wondered who was who and why.

[@teridacktaljones4553]

🦝 Splendid reading.

[@andrewclayton4181]

There are a couple of detail uniform differences between the Yeoman Guard, and the Yeoman Warders. Like the cross chest sash, could have been pointed out.

[@keithfrost1190]

About 70 years ago, my father took my brother and me to visit the tower. As we were wandering around we heard someone shout out our surname. My father, a retired regular soldier, immediately stood to attention and a Yeoman approached us. It turned out that the yeoman was my father's RSM in India Before the war.

[@robertphillips6296]

I believe that there were at one time several Pubs at the Tower.

[@tomjackson8256]

Great video!

[@QPRTokyo]

One day would you be so kind as to produce a video on the differences of the uniforms of the different household regiments. Not so much for me but my non British friends.

[@sharhune2735]

One of my family members is buried on the Tower Green. He was the Bishop of Exeter and was behead on Henry the VIII orders. The family name was Courtenay.

[@tinkmarshino]

Ah to short Mark.. I would have liked to know more about them..

[@timf2279]

Having been to the Tower it is filled with history. The Warders and staff do an excellent job. I found it very interesting all the executions that took place on the grounds, even up to the 1940's during the war. Which would make a video.

[@hansakermann]

I'm curious to hear when there'll be an episode regarding The Royal Companny of Archers?

[@billh230]

Question, Dr.Felton: You've mentioned a couple of times now that some of the bodyguard units require their recruits to be warrant officers or better upon leaving active service, have at minimum 22 years active service, and the good conduct medal. What I'm wondering is how long is their service contract normally for once they join? How many times are they allowed to renew their contract? Are there any personal restrictions placed upon recruits (much as the US Army "Old Guard") once their service ends?

[@stephenrandall3551]

When I joined the British forces, you were required to sign on for 22 years with the colours with the option of leaving after 6, 9, 15, or 22years. The warders though have to attain the rank of WO2 or company Sergeant Major or above and receive the good service medal in addition to the 22 years service.

[@rriley30]

When I last visited the Tower, 12-15 years ago, one of the Beefeaters told me that he and his colleagues were actually *active duty* NCO’s in the British Army, assigned temporarily to Tower duty. But Mark says they’re *retired* military, which admittedly makes more sense. The Beefeater I was speaking to may have misunderstood my question or I misunderstood his answer. Agree with other commenters they’re great performers and an excellent part of a Tower visit.

[@rexmundi3108]

Ahh a descendant of Anne Boleyn? Descendant of Robert the Bruce here, but that's a story for another video. Greetings from across the pond.

[@dereks1264]

"Ravenmaster" must be the coolest military title ever.

[@InCountry6970]

I am sure some where the Queen Anne Boleyn is very proud of her extended family.

[@williamvorkosigan5151]

Make way for the Keys!

[@aaron6178]

The ravens are hysterical. Worth a visit just to see those dudes croaking and hopping around the place. It's an amazing fortress. Chuck it on your bucket list for shizzle.

[@fahmitl]

good bro .... adventurous

[@meenki347]

Doc, You must do a video explaining the outlandish but inspiring Wagah Border closing ceremony done by Indian and Pakistan.

[@setchy9753]

This is the first time I've heard about your relation to Anne Boleyn. If that's true could you expand on this? Sounds fascinating!

[@kingcrazymani4133]

Thanks for this, Dr. Felton. A pub, you say…. Hmmmm.

[@_gungrave_6802]

You might as well make this a series unto itself where you cover ceremonial guard units from around the world.

[@maverick4177]

You can tell the former Royal Marines…..they are always holding hands A direct quote from a serving Yeoman Warder 😂

[@nicktecky55]

Any chance the quoter was an ex-para?

[@sledgehammer9739]

ROTFLMAO!! Well! It certainly appears that there is as much interservice rivalry in Britain as there is in the US. Although I would also add. You can always tell who the Marines are because they're the ones with L and R on their shoes.

[@ozzieparky]

Not any more - he retired a few years ago...

[@RCAvhstape]

@@sledgehammer9739 As a Marine I should be offended, but there's no tactical advantage in that.

[@davedickinson822]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/epbMiJKYjL9lf9U

[@bevinboulder5039]

It will be interesting to see how their uniforms are changed now that Charles III is King. I say his official cypher the other day and it is quite stylish. I heartily second Keptin Krunch.

[@highpath4776]

What will be the cost of new CIIIR Uniforms ? And what happens to the EIIR ones ?

[@abzzeus]

They will unstitch the E and replace it with C

[@jonnygray6557]

Please do one on the Royal Company of Archers

[@Rig0r_M0rtis]

The legend: "If the ravens ever leave the Tower, the monarchy fall." British royalty: "Then we better fucking lock them up in there."

[@Inkling777]

Here's a related topic. Members of the royal family sometimes wear uniforms covered with what appear to be numerous medals. What do those uniforms signify and do the medals really mean much or are they just for show?

[@R2D6_10]

I had a quick word with one of the tower guards when they were walking to somewhere at the tower of London and I joked how's the WiFi and he replied "surprisingly good!"

[@zillsburyy1]

i remember these guys on liquor bottles

[@chuckkottke]

London extra dry gin? 👑😉

[@jonnygray6557]

Do one on the Royal Archers

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

I have a cousin in horse guards and friends in court.

[@CoarseFisher15]

Please do a video on Henry the 8th. Hermman Goerring vibes

[@MBP1918]

They have cool uniforms

[@mrtnsnp]

All uniforms are marked with the initials of Elizabeth II. Will all of those be remade to "C III R"? Are there enough people with the skills to do that?

[@WarStorieswithMarkFelton]

They will be changed soon.

[@SirHiggins]

No newer episodes i suppose? :( Or its just me who cant find the Gents at Arms?