Yeomen of the Guard

Yeomen of the Guard. The Yeomen of the Guard is the oldest existing British military corps and a bodyguard of the British monarch. Formed in 1485 by King Henry VII following the Battle of Bosworth Field, its primary modern role is a ceremonial one, participating in major state occasions. The unit, consisting of 73 officers and men, is distinct from the similarly attired Yeomen Warders who guard the Tower of London.

History and origins

The corps was founded on 22 August 1485 by King Henry VII, immediately after his victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field, which concluded the Wars of the Roses. This creation established the first permanent bodyguard for a English monarch, replacing earlier, temporary arrangements. The original Yeomen were likely experienced soldiers from Henry's army, tasked with providing close personal protection at the Palace of Westminster and during travels. Throughout the Tudor period, they were a formidable fighting force, accompanying Henry VIII to the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520 and seeing action during the English Reformation. Their military role gradually diminished after the English Civil War and the Restoration, evolving into the ceremonial institution seen today, with their last operational deployment during the Gordon Riots in 1780.

Duties and role

Today, the Yeomen of the Guard serve as the sovereign's ceremonial bodyguard during major state events, most notably the annual State Opening of Parliament. Their key duty is the ceremonial search of the cellars of the Palace of Westminster, a tradition dating from the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. They also perform duties at Royal Maundy, investitures held at Buckingham Palace, and state banquets. The unit is commanded by a Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, a position traditionally held by a government whip in the House of Lords. Other officers include the Lieutenant, the Clerk of the Cheque and Adjutant, and the Exons.

Uniform and insignia

The Yeomen of the Guard are famous for their distinctive scarlet and gold Tudor-style uniforms, often confused with those of the Yeomen Warders. Their "undress" uniform includes a scarlet tunic with purple facings and stripes, and gold lace, worn with ruffs and red rose emblems. For the State Opening of Parliament, they wear the historic "State dress", consisting of a scarlet doublet and hose, a flat hat, and the iconic ruff. This uniform is believed to date from the era of Elizabeth I or James I. Each Yeoman carries a partisan as a ceremonial weapon. The insignia features the royal cypher of the reigning monarch and the emblem of the Tudor rose.

Notable Yeomen and events

Historically, membership was a prestigious honour, with notable Yeomen including Sir Christopher Wren, who served under Queen Anne. The corps played a solemn role in the funeral processions of several monarchs, including Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill. A famous annual event involving the Yeomen is the Royal Maundy service, where they accompany the sovereign. They were also present at major modern ceremonies such as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. The unit maintains a close association with the Chapel Royal and the Order of the Garter ceremonies at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Relationship to the Yeomen Warders

While often confused due to their similar Tudor uniforms, the Yeomen of the Guard and the Yeomen Warders are entirely separate institutions. The Yeomen Warders, also known as 'Beefeaters', are a separate corps founded in the reign of Edward VI to guard the Tower of London and its prisoners. They are now primarily guides and ceremonial guardians of the Tower, under the authority of the Constable of the Tower. In contrast, the Yeomen of the Guard are a mobile bodyguard based at St James's Palace, forming part of the Royal Household. The Yeomen Warders were originally drawn from the ranks of the Yeomen of the Guard, which explains the uniform similarity, but the two have had independent establishments for centuries.

Category:Military of the United Kingdom Category:Royal Households of the United Kingdom Category:1485 establishments in England