The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and the 1000 year old Fortress the Tower of London,
and Members of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary,
popularly known as the Beefeaters,
are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London.

In principle they are responsible for looking after any prisoners in the Tower
and safeguarding the British crown jewels;
they have also conducted guided tours since the Victorian era.

In 2011, there were 37 Yeomen Warders and one Chief Warder.

All warders are retired from the Armed Forces of Commonwealth realms
and must be former warrant officers with at least 22 years of service.

They must also hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.

The Yeomen Warders are often incorrectly referred to as Yeomen of the Guard,
which is actually a distinct corps of Royal Bodyguards.