Kent Man Becomes Beefeater

A man from Kent has become the Tower of London's newest Beefeater

Jim Duncan from Chatham has won the job after 40 years service in the Queens Regiment and the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR).

The father of two said: "It is an honour and a privilege to be selected and appointed as a Yeoman Warder – a little boy’s dream come true that makes me feel on top of the world".

Over the next few months Yeoman Warder Duncan will learn by heart the Story - the script of the hugely popular Yeoman Warder Tour - before being allowed to lead a Tour himself.

He will also become familiar with each of the 21 separate duties that the Yeoman Warders conduct each and
every day.

YW Duncan can not wait to get started. He said: "It is a fantastic role being part of living history. I think life here will be ever changing each day and each person you meet will bring new challenges.

"I believe that Yeoman Warders are seen as the face of the Tower and always being in the public eye can be both demanding and rewarding".

The Yeoman Warders, often called Beefeaters, are descended from the ancient band of warders who, from early in the Tower’s history, had the responsibility for guarding the gates and royal prisoners.

Modern Yeoman Warders are still Extraordinary Members of the Queen’s Bodyguard and are all former warrant officers from Her Majesty’s Forces with an honourable service record of at least 22 years.

Today they combine their traditional ceremonial role with that of tourist guide.