Tower of London has woman guard

LONDON — The Tower of London, one of Britain's most important landmarks and popular tourist attractions, has appointed a female guard for the first time in the 500-year history of the force.

As much a part of the Tower as the Crown Jewels, ravens and suits of armor, the Yeoman Warders — known colloquially as Beefeaters because of the rations of meat they were given during medieval times — have patrolled the parapets and passages of the royal fortress on the banks of the Thames since 1485.

There are now just 35 of them, plus the Chief Yeoman Warder and Yeoman Gaoler, and one of their main tasks is to give tours to the 2 million visitors from around the world who come to the Tower each year.

To join the Beefeaters, a candidate must have served 22 years in the armed forces. Two women have applied previously and were unsuccessful. The new woman Beefeater has not yet been identified, said spokeswoman Natasha Woollard.

However, it is known she will join the fortress' warders at the end of the summer.

Historically, the Beefeaters, created when King Henry VII formed a bodyguard, were responsible for guarding high-profile prisoners kept at the Tower, a 900-year-old fortress built by William the Conqueror

They are also responsible for the Tower's ravens — six coal-black birds which, according to legend, must always reside in the fortress to ensure the future of the Kingdom of England.

Compiled from Bloomberg News, The Associated Press and Reuters