With just days to go until the Coronation of King Charles III, another big change has just taken place at one of the oldest royal buildings in the world.
On April 24 2023, the Tower of London revealed the new uniform of the Yeoman Warders.
The traditional uniform is dark blue with red borders, and it bears the cypher of the Monarch on the chest. After 70 years, that cypher has now been changed to that of the new King.
It’s a moment of history but one with a very modern twist. For the first time, the change of cypher was revealed on social media.
In a video posted on the Tower’s official Twitter, two of the Yeomen talk about their excitement at this change, and the pride they feel when wearing their uniforms, because, as one of them put it, “We can actually stand proud when thousands come through the gate, and we’ll just look down and say ”job done, ready to go”.
It’s a pride that is not unjustified, since the role of Yeoman Warder has roots that go back almost as far as the history of England itself.
Embed from Getty ImagesOriginally part of the King’s personal guard, Yeomen Warders became protectors of the Tower of London upon the decision of King Henry VIII. Since then, a set of requirements has been established: each warder has to have at least 22 years of military service, during which they need to have achieved at least the rank of warrant officer, and have been awarded the long service and good conduct medal.
They are sworn in with a ceremony reflective of their ancient history, during which they drink a toast of port from an 18th century pewter bowl. The toast is offered by the Chief Yeoman Warder, and it includes the sentence “May you never die a Yeoman Warder”.
Traditionally, the post of Yeoman Warder was sold for 250 guineas, and, upon their retirement, the Warder would receive the entire sum back, plus the balance. However, if the warder died in service, it would be the Constable who inherited the whole sum. This tradition was abolished in the 1830s by the Duke of Wellington, who became Constable in 1826.
The Yeomen Warders’ duties at the Tower of London are a mix of traditional ceremony and overwatch. Each night, they perform the Ceremony of the Keys, when the Tower is locked up for the night and the keys are delivered to the Resident Governor, who represents the King.
At the Coronation, they will probably be seen wearing their ceremonial uniform, which is red with gold embroidery and used during big celebrations, like the Monarch’s birthday. The everyday blue and red uniforms were introduced in the 19th century as a more durable option.
