Other meanings of Yeomen of the Guard
British Monarchy
The Yeomen of the Guard is the British monarch's ceremonial bodyguard, founded in 1485 by King Henry VII. It is the oldest of the royal bodyguards and one of the oldest military corps in the world, still performing ceremonial duties at state occasions. Its members are retired non-commissioned officers of the British Armed Forces, distinguished by their scarlet uniforms and gold-embroidered emblems.
The Yeomen of the Guard were established by Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, making them the oldest British military corps still in existence.1 Initially they were a personal bodyguard of 50 archers and halberdiers, but they also served as a royal escort and garrison. Over the centuries, their role evolved from combat to ceremonial, though they retained a nominal military status. The corps saw action at the Siege of Boulogne in 1544 and were present at the coronation of every British monarch since.2 Their distinctive scarlet and gold uniforms, designed in the Tudor style, have remained largely unchanged since the 16th century.
Today, the Yeomen of the Guard perform ceremonial duties at state occasions, including the State Opening of Parliament, royal weddings, and investitures.3 They also conduct the daily Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, though this is often confused with the Yeoman Warders, a separate corps. Members are appointed from retired warrant officers and senior NCOs of the British Army, Royal Marines, or Royal Air Force, with at least 22 years of service.4 The corps is commanded by a Captain, a political appointment held by the Government Chief Whip, and includes a Lieutenant, a Clerk, and a Sergeant-Major. Their primary ceremonial duty is to search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster before the State Opening, a tradition dating back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
The Yeomen of the Guard wear a distinctive uniform of scarlet cloth with gold lace, a ruff, and a black velvet hat with a red and gold ribbon.5 The uniform includes the royal cipher of the reigning monarch, and officers carry a partisan (a type of halberd) as a symbol of rank. The cross belt bears the royal crown and the rose, thistle, and shamrock, representing the United Kingdom. The uniform is often referred to as the 'Tudor style' and has been worn since the corps' foundation, with minor modifications. The Yeomen also carry swords, and their badges feature the Tudor rose, a nod to their founder.
Beyond their ceremonial duties, the Yeomen of the Guard have a rich history of lesser-known roles. In the 17th century, they served as a maritime guard, protecting the royal fleet, and they were once responsible for the royal barge. During the English Civil War, the corps was disbanded by Parliament but reinstated at the Restoration. The Yeomen have also been involved in the ceremonial search of the Palace of Westminster since 1605, a duty that is still performed with lanterns and candles. A notable tradition is the 'Wine Ceremony' at the Tower of London, where the Yeomen toast the health of the monarch with a glass of wine, a practice that dates back to the 18th century. The corps has also inspired the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta 'The Yeomen of the Guard', which premiered in 1888, though it is set in the 16th century and features fictional characters.
This article focuses on the Yeomen of the Guard as the monarch's ceremonial bodyguard, distinct from the Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.
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