Are the Tower of London's famous Beefeaters actually named after their love of beef?

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Yeomen Warders, known globally as Beefeaters, guard the Tower of London with a history dating back to 1485. While the moniker is widely linked to a 17th-century royal fondness for beef rations, some experts suggest it may actually be a corruption of an ancient term for a menial servant.

Founded by King Henry VII following the Battle of Bosworth, the Yeomen Warders represent the oldest existing military corps in the United Kingdom. Originally part of the Tudor guard, these men were tasked with securing the Tower of London. By 1509, when Henry VIII moved his official residence, a small detachment remained as a token garrison. Their role has evolved significantly over five centuries, shifting from active military guards and prison wardens to ceremonial figures who serve as guides and greeters for the public.

The origin of the nickname Beefeater remains a subject of debate. The most popular theory, cited by the Corps itself, traces back to a 1669 visit by Cosimo III de' Medici, who observed the guards receiving daily rations of beef. However, etymologists have proposed alternatives, such as the Old English hláf-æta, meaning loaf-eater, or the Old French buffetier, denoting a servant at a sideboard. Despite these theories, the term was already in common use as a general slang for the English people by the 17th century.

Today, the life of a Yeoman Warder is steeped in tradition and strict requirements. To qualify, candidates must be retired from the British Armed Forces, hold the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and possess at least 22 years of service. They live within the fortress in tied accommodation, often alongside their families. Their duties are diverse, ranging from participating in the nightly Ceremony of the Keys to managing the Tower's famous ravens. While they are distinct from the Yeomen of the Guard—a separate body of Royal Bodyguards—the two groups share the iconic nickname and, on state occasions, the striking Tudor State Dress.

The modern community at the Tower is small and resilient, having navigated challenges from pension disputes in 2018 to the financial pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the first voluntary redundancies in their history. Whether they are performing ceremonial duties in red and gold or managing the welfare of the ravens, the Yeomen Warders remain a living link to the Tudor dynasty.

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