First female Beefeater starts her training at the Tower

Following the announcement of her appointment as Yeoman Warder in January 2007, Yeoman Warder Moira Cameron this week began her training and induction onsite at the Tower.

Before she can wear her new uniform in front of the Tower visitors, set for early September 2007, she will need to spend the summer becoming familiar with each of the 21 separate duties that the Yeoman Warders do each and every day, practising the duties for the Ceremony of the Keys which takes place every night of the year, and learning the Tower’s 1000-year history so she can take her own Beefeater Tour.

Below Yeoman Warder Cameron shares her first impressions of her new life and new job after her first week at the Tower of London.

We heard of your appointment in January but you only started at the Tower on 2 July - what have you been doing up to now?
I handed my Army job over at the beginning of April and since then I have been on holiday to New York, visited my god children and friends, finished off my re-settlement and spent a lot of time with my family.  But I actually only retired from the Army on 25 Jun and then I was a pensioner for a week before I started here.

How does it feel to finally be Yeoman Warder Cameron?
Very privileged! My team leader and I met a group of ladies that had come to the Tower to see the Crown Jewels and when I was introduced to them they were so pleased to see me…it was really lovely to see that it made their visit a little bit more special. 

What are your first impressions of life onsite as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London?
The people that I have met so far have been very welcoming and friendly which made my move so much easier.  The Tower has very much a village atmosphere where everybody knows everybody else, you have kids playing in the street and you could happily leave your door open knowing that the only living thing to enter without your permission is next door’s cat - which is lovely unless it decides to roll about on my new white sofa!  

How do you find the uniform? Is it any different to what the male Yeoman Warders wear?
I have had a couple of fittings now and it is no different to what the men wear, apart from being tailored to fit. It’s very smart and I am looking forward to wearing it in September.

Have you moved in to your Tower of London accommodation? What is it like?
I have moved into my flat here and it is fantastic!  It has two bedrooms so I can have my family down to stay and it is bliss not having to go to sleep in the same room as your fridge and your TV as I had to in the Sergeant’s Mess when I was in the Army.  Like all the other residents, I pay a percentage of my salary as rent. I just didn't realise how much kit I had - I've been here over a week and I'm still unpacking.  It’s also quite a novelty cooking for myself but we will see how long that lasts before I get back to beans on toast and poached eggs.

How are you finding living in Central London?
Being inside the Tower is strange as it is easy to forget you are in the centre of such a busy city. The outer walls are so thick they buffer much of the noise but you can still hear the sirens of emergency vehicles which reminds me where I am.  I haven't had much of a chance to get out and about yet but I plan to get out on my bike when I'm not working and take full advantage of the proximity to the theatres, museums and attractions and make the most of living in this magnificent city. 

What will you be doing over the next few weeks?
I will be learning each of the 21 separate duties that the Yeoman Warders do each and every day. I will also be learning the duties for the Ceremony of the Keys which takes place every night of the year. There is also the huge task of learning the history so I can take my own Beefeater Tour.

When will you be taking your first Beefeater Tour?  Are you nervous?
It can take quite a long time to learn the stories and before you are let loose on the paying public you have to recite it as per the script in front of the Resident Governor and Chief Yeoman Warder – and I won't be allowed anywhere near  them until my mentor and Yeoman Serjeant are happy.  As for being nervous about taking it - not really. I will be more concerned that the public enjoy the tour!

What are you looking forward to most?
There are lots of things I am looking forward to: conducting my first Ceremony of the Keys; taking my first tour; being sworn in as a Yeoman Warder; and taking part in my first parade wearing ceremonial uniform.  The next year is going to be quite amazing and I am planning on enjoying every minute of it!