The King's Bodyguards - Ep. 2: Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- A series explaining the history, uniforms and roles of the many British royal ceremonial units.
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.o...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: Ministry of Defence; Sodacan; Duncan; RedCoat; Son of Groucho; Bernard Gagnon; Michel awl; Kenneth Allen; fotogoocom; Jordiferrer; Rudolph.A.Furtado
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Watched bits of the Queens funeral yesterday, you have to hand it to the British, when it comes to pomp and ceremony, no one does it better.
Thanks, I think we've just about enough troops left. Might have to do what the Soviets did in the 1941 red square parade....send 'em round the block to go past again lol.
They are indeed good at pageantry.
As a british, i can confirm, its me 45 minutes just to get out of bed due to pomp and ceremony.
I bet those 6 ravens disagree.
When I was the Ass’t U.S. Army Attaché in London in the late 90’s, I had a chance to see the late night “Ceremony of the keys” at the Tower of London, as well as see the Crown Jewels. It was a memorable visit.
Hey, Thank you for your service! We are grateful.
Came to the Tower to see the Crown Jewels, but stayed for the Yeomen tour. I cannot compliment them enough; they’re professional in conduct (at least when giving tours), charismatic in their reverence for their history, infectiously proud of their military career and place as Yeomen, and first-class grillmasters by how deftly they roast tourists and historical figures alike.
They're former warrant officers, old Sargent majors. Imagine Windsor Davies in character, with some mouthy tourist. SHUT UP🤣🤣
@@mrcjc9298 one guarding the queen laying in state is x sbs.
Brilliantly put! Thats exactly it!
How this man has only 287K subscribers rather than 2.87M subscibers is beyond me. This channel is one of the rare ones that is required viewing (in my estimation). Keep them coming good sir!
Hear, hear!
The full ‚real’ Mark Felton Productions channel has 1.74M subscribers. This seems to be his War Stories channel with ‚just‘ 287K.
So..when the government returns the stolen diamonds, gold and other cultural treasures that the British empire stole during its imperial time .
@@stopitas5790 lol ok bot.
@@mj6463 the truth always hurts executioner and everything will pay off
They always reminds me of Terry Pratchett’s disc world parody of the changing of the keys. In his version, you can’t change tradition but you can add to it, hilarious.
They might be officially ceremonial now, but if they're all retired warrant officers with at least 22 years service, they're all going to be pretty tough characters if trouble kicked off.
And there are videos of very stupid and sometimees very rude tourists getting a severe telling off... I saw a vid of one tourist who had (for reasons only known to them) thrown there hat near one of the foot guards, who clearly wasn't going to react/pick it up and give it back as that what I think the lady wanted (footgaurds at any of the palaces can be docked pay if they do anything deemed 'improper' when on duty, and for the army, that is a very low bar... reacting in the way the lady wanted would likely have counted). The Yeoman warder didn't mince words... he was never 'rude' (ie never swore or overly raised his voice) but he gave her one hell of a talking to.... I think they might have even been escorted out of the tower after the incident.
No warrent officer serves for 22yrs and suddenly becomes incapable of handling themselves! I would never want to get on the wrong side of them thats for sure! Whilst the footguards are armed with guns and very sharp bayonets (I'm led to believe they are still all armed with live ammo at all palaces they have historically for sure but not sure about modern practice) they still would leave any serious distruption to the police force who have a contingent of armed officers around as well due to the nature of items stored there and the crowds each day etc.
Saw this late: When I was visiting the Tower in 1998, I took a picture of a Yeoman Warder, unaware of the tradition to tip them a pound for doing so. Imagine my surprise when I went back for a longer visit in 2009 and saw the same fellow leading my tour! I was pleased to pass him a larger note; whether that went to their favorite charity or to the pub, I don't know, but I was glad to excise my debt. Thanks.
I have a lot of respect for these bodyguards and guards they put a lot of themselves in their job
Thank you, Prof. Felton. Tradition fascinates to no end; history is eternal. How interesting to learn these amazing things!
What I would give to travel back in time and hear the discussion first hand of when the first people were discussing naming the yeoman 🤣
Brilliant series Mark, keep them coming. I realised during her Majesty’s funeral just how ignorant I am about the whole set up (at the age of 30…!)
Dr. Felton, many thanks for your explanation of the origins of the term Beefeaters. A term truly anchored in history.
Possible explanation. He said possible. No one knows _for sure_ where the term comes from - it's been lost to time. Educated guesses.
I am so happy to see that some traditions never change.
But it did change Larry. Larry, they let women be yeomen now, Larry.
Thank you again, I know nothing about the Guards and have always wondered. 👍👍👍👍👍♥️🇺🇸
Thx again Mark. This is the history classes I missed way back…when 😂😂😂
Mark. Thanks for providing my Tuesday night Entertainment!
Sounds weird but even while watching the Queens funeral procession, her death didn't truly sink in until I saw the escort of Beefeaters and realized that was the last time we will see *E* *R* emblazoned upon their uniforms.
First time I had seen the honourable gentleman arms beside the queens gun carriage , I thought wow they look majestic,one of them had a cane, and in his walking it just looked so good
The British treasure tradition! That’s commendable especially in today’s insane world! Respect!
Very timely for Monday's proceedings. TFP
Super, Mark. I searched I don't think you have done anything on the Royal Guard. Thank You.
Always interesting and fascinating material! Thanks Dr. Felton!
Thankyou for the videos you make Dr.Felton you provide a wealth of information and go so in depth to every detail. Absolutely deserve every subscriber you have and way more .
They might be ceremonial, but I'm willing to bet they would more than hold their own if someone gives them a hard time. They have my utmost respect.
No surprise. Considering the job requirements for the job there's decades of military experience in the Yeoman of the Guard.
Well that's the point of them all being military veterans.
I’ll bet they have some serious firepower hidden in a nearby umbrella stand next to them🤔👍
Allegedly at night the Guards Detachment of the Tower (Not the Yeoman Warders, but the regular troops) stand duty with standard issue infantry uniforms and gear, rifles and live ammo. You have to know that the Jewel House is one of the most heavily secured and alarmed places in the UK and possibly the world. I would also imagine that the troops that guard the tower are the pick of the Guards Regiments, as are all the troops at the various palaces entrusted with the Royal family and properties. I do know that they take the job of guarding Her (now His, I suppose) Majesty extremely seriously. I do not know if the Troops at Buckingham Palace are given live ammo during regular guard shifts, but it has been said that the Tower guards are and are fully expected to be willing to use it should they be so ordered.
@@cammobunker ... actually, other British and Commonwealth regiments also carry out ceremonial duties at the Tower of London...
The Yeomen of the Guard can be identified from the Yeomen Warders by their cross belt, which is not worn by the Yeomen Warders
Are they both in this video?
@@Perktube1 no the yeomen of the guard was the previous video
Warders of the Realm wore straight jackets with a waist belt. castle yeomen wore the crossed guard belts. family legend has it that they supported carrying two swords. i gave my father's sword to my nephew. daddy's service as a marine (ww2). only man i've ever known that could quietly state that he'd killed men with his bare hands, and not frighten me. i miss him.
Wonderful! Keep them coming. So interesting. Thank you ❤❤
Thank you 😊
If you're a Beefeater then you get to live in apartments in the Tower of London. How cool is that!
The raven master is also on RUclips. His channel is Ravenology with Chris Skaife. Enjoy!
Thank you. I have a raven carved from coal that friends brought home from the Tower. I love the stories of the Tower's ravens.
Watching the service for Her Majesty I saw the Honourable Corp but am not familiar with them. Thank you for your great work Dr Felton.
Mark can make the phone book interesting.
Dr. Felton, as you may understand a statement such as "my ancestor, Anne boleyn" cannot go unnoticed... Would you mind to elaborate?? ☺
1st cousin 16x removed - I descend directly from her aunt.
"Ravenmaster" must be the coolest military title ever.
One day would you be so kind as to produce a video on the differences of the uniforms of the different household regiments. Not so much for me but my non British friends.
I am sure some where the Queen Anne Boleyn is very proud of her extended family.
Thanks for the informtion Mark very good
There are a couple of detail uniform differences between the Yeoman Guard, and the Yeoman Warders. Like the cross chest sash, could have been pointed out.
I believe that there were at one time several Pubs at the Tower.
Thanks for this, Dr. Felton. A pub, you say…. Hmmmm.
Loved this!!!!
Anne Boleyn is a ancestor of mine too.
One of my family members is buried on the Tower Green. He was the Bishop of Exeter and was behead on Henry the VIII orders. The family name was Courtenay.
🦝 Splendid reading.
Question, Dr.Felton: You've mentioned a couple of times now that some of the bodyguard units require their recruits to be warrant officers or better upon leaving active service, have at minimum 22 years active service, and the good conduct medal. What I'm wondering is how long is their service contract normally for once they join? How many times are they allowed to renew their contract? Are there any personal restrictions placed upon recruits (much as the US Army "Old Guard") once their service ends?
When I joined the British forces, you were required to sign on for 22 years with the colours with the option of leaving after 6, 9, 15, or 22years. The warders though have to attain the rank of WO2 or company Sergeant Major or above and receive the good service medal in addition to the 22 years service.
The legend: "If the ravens ever leave the Tower, the monarchy fall."
British royalty: "Then we better fucking lock them up in there."
I love their hats!
They are more than capable of defending their sovereign and themselves with harsh language.
Thank you.
When I last visited the Tower, 12-15 years ago, one of the Beefeaters told me that he and his colleagues were actually *active duty* NCO’s in the British Army, assigned temporarily to Tower duty. But Mark says they’re *retired* military, which admittedly makes more sense. The Beefeater I was speaking to may have misunderstood my question or I misunderstood his answer. Agree with other commenters they’re great performers and an excellent part of a Tower visit.
About 70 years ago, my father took my brother and me to visit the tower. As we were wandering around we heard someone shout out our surname. My father, a retired regular soldier, immediately stood to attention and a Yeoman approached us. It turned out that the yeoman was my father's RSM in India Before the war.
You might as well make this a series unto itself where you cover ceremonial guard units from around the world.
I had a quick word with one of the tower guards when they were walking to somewhere at the tower of London and I joked how's the WiFi and he replied "surprisingly good!"
You can tell the former Royal Marines…..they are always holding hands
A direct quote from a serving Yeoman Warder 😂
Any chance the quoter was an ex-para?
ROTFLMAO!! Well! It certainly appears that there is as much interservice rivalry in Britain as there is in the US. Although I would also add. You can always tell who the Marines are because they're the ones with L and R on their shoes.
Not any more - he retired a few years ago...
@@sledgehammer9739 As a Marine I should be offended, but there's no tactical advantage in that.
ruclips.net/video/DeiW_bWZ2Is/видео.html
good bro .... adventurous
Great video!
Please do one on the Royal Company of Archers
Please do a video on Henry the 8th. Hermman Goerring vibes
Do one on the Royal Archers
Here's a related topic. Members of the royal family sometimes wear uniforms covered with what appear to be numerous medals. What do those uniforms signify and do the medals really mean much or are they just for show?
They have cool uniforms
No newer episodes i suppose? :( Or its just me who cant find the Gents at Arms?
i remember these guys on liquor bottles
London extra dry gin? 👑😉
They clip the Raven's wings
Anne Boleyn is my 13th Great Aunt .
Anne's head and body were placed in the chest and buried in the chancel near to the remains of her brother, Lord Rochford.
The title had me confused for a split second. Gosh, it'll take a while till I'm used to saying "king!"
Must've been a real pain in the bum to be a Roman!
Dope
I'm related to William the conqueror I had no idea he built this as well. By virtue of some strangeness I'm also related to the plantagenets..
@Kev Fit its definitely possible but it would be very distant.. the 100 year war was a remarkable time for arranged marriages... desperately trying to create peace and primacy at the same time....im related to far worse and far better people than Saville. Anyone related to a specific family in the middle of the island that governed the largest standing military and a large body of land is related to William the conqueror he built the large fortress when it was wooden primarily it was,incinerated and a stone structure is there now.
@Kev Fit I can find out ... it would be interesting to know. Church records go back to him William the Conqueror.. church records go back to the Norman invasion so much further back is not as accesible... Richard Neville , and Edward plantgenet are both direct ancestors of mine...
Wait, Mark, Queen Anne Boleyn was an ancestor of yours?
1st cousin 16x removed
@@WarStorieswithMarkFelton thank you Mark
Kings bodyguard sounds weird 🤔
Trivia but is the Partisan not the pole weapon and not a sword? Also the Tower of London was built by the French to keep the English in London under control.
British Crown Jewels? English maybe. Honours of Scotland are in Edinburgh.
If their unit is selected do the soldiers get a clothing allowance for the uniform?
Think off the rack, you don’t get to keep it
@@tomhenry897 I was wondering about that also
are these the original guys?
I wonder if there is extra pay involved in these units, or if they get by on their military pensions?
If Mark has Anne Boelyn as an ancestry and Christian Weston Chandler also has her as an ancestor… then maybe Mark and Chrischan are related…
And here I thought they were named after a brand of Gin! ....
* insert creative comment *
I don't see how Anne Boleyn could be anyone's ancestor, considering she only had one child (Elizabeth I) who in turn had no children herself.
i presume through her 2 siblings who had children, so she was someone's Aunt, ,Great Aunt and so forth
I'm descended from her aunt making Anne Boleyn my 1st cousin 16x removed.
@@WarStorieswithMarkFelton Fair enough.
Tower warders, under orders,
But, where do they make the gin? 😃
Oh I bet the shitstorm for their first female member was LEGENDARY
doubt it, requirements are to be a warrant officer with 22 years service and a good conduct medal, as soon as women could become warrant officers restrictions no longer existed for women? it just had happen at some point
This is all overgrown Men playing dress up
1st and hopefully last
God save king Charles sausage fingers 👑
“…the most romantic place in the world- the Tower of London.”
when is the last time any royal/honor guard had to fight? and are they as good as other elite units?
The Gentlemen at Arms last fought during the Civil War, when one of them saved the life of the Prince of Wales during the Battle of Edge Hill in 1642. The battle honours on their standard are from the 16th century.
Enough with the men in tights paid by TAXPAYERS
Abolish Monarch
You are related to Anne Boleyn. Thats amazing. A historian with a historic background.
I'd like to hear more about the locking of the gates, the oldest military ceremony. What other old military ceremonies are there around the world?
The ceremonies of "Colours"and "Sunset" in Commonwealth (and probably other) Navys. "Beating the retreat"...which originally dates to 1690... On a lighter note.. "Crossing the Line" on Naval ships...
My old RSM (Patrick Nolan) was the first non-British Yeoman.
Was he a New Zealander?
@@davidking3923 no he was African-American
@@davidking3923 Yes he was, he is a great bloke.
I think you are all jesting, he sounds Irish to me.
You know Mark, you have a way of making all the material that you have laid your hands on very interesting and therefore I’ll wager that this channel will have a healthy output for years to come. It’s something I look forward to.
It seems we are distantly related, Anne Boleyn is my 5th cousin 13x removed…🎉and Edward III. is my 18th great grandfather…😋 I am a huge fan of your videos, love them!
I think I am in the same general cohort. Descended from the Plantagenet kings, and then Alice Boleyn (aunt of Anne B).
@@alisonbritton2988 we are legion, so to speak…😉
We are related.
The Ceremony of the Keys is likely one of the first things whose dialogue changed.
I didn’t realise the yeomen and the beefeaters were two separate organisations.
@Real Aiglon the yeomen and the tower wardens I mean.
The Raven Master also made it into German 6th grade school books.
The ceremony of the keys is rumoured to only have every been late on one occasion - 29 December 1940 - as a bomb exploded and knocked them off their feet. That's right they carried on in an air raid with bombs exploding around them. They dusted themselves off, and completed the task. They reported the delay to the King, who replied "Delay excused due to enemy action"
When I went to the Tower of London the first thing I thought when I saw the guard was this guy could snap me like a twig.
I then asked about their uniforms but I called them an outfit. The guy was like
"wha!? This is a uniform!
Then I was like "yea... Your costume."
He wasn't very happy
Rightly so…
@@rdhunkins couldn't help but troll a little bit. Especially if he's going to get mad that I used the wrong word lol.
So how long were you in the hospital?
@@RCAvhstape luckily my father was there to deescalate lol
He wasn't surprised. These guys are former military warrant officers. They're used to deal with young recruits who mouth off stupidly.
Ahh a descendant of Anne Boleyn? Descendant of Robert the Bruce here, but that's a story for another video. Greetings from across the pond.
I have a cousin in horse guards and friends in court.
This is interesting. I hope to learn more about these ceremonial, yet modern troups.
Thanks for the complement , I'm a Brit but not a royalist but I wholeheartedly agree with you . I sometimes wish I could muster the enthusiasm for the ' firm ' when I see a spectacle like QE 's funeral etc . Sorry, this reply was meant for Bradd Millers post .