Grimsby man parachutes into historic Beefeater role at the Tower of London

Yeoman Warder Lee Fox is the latest recruit into a role that has been in existence for more than 540 years

A Grimsby man has taken up residence at the Tower of London after being appointed to one of the most famous historic jobs in the world. Lee Fox, a former Pegasus Company Sergeant Major who grew up in Grimsby, has started his new post as a Yeoman Warder – better known as a Beefeater – at the tower.

He becomes the latest recruit to an iconic group dating back to 1485. YW Lee Fox – the first member of the Parachute Regiment to become a Beefeater – joins 34 other Yeoman Warders who live and work at the Tower of London, alongside the famous ravens. The Beefeaters have been a fixture at the Tower of London ever since they were created in 1485 by Henry VII, as an extension of his personal protection.

The guards themselves date back even further – to the band of warders who guarded the Tower of London and its prisoners from the reign of William the Conqueror in the 11th century. To this day they continue to hold a traditional ceremonial role, as Extraordinary Members of The King’s Bodyguard.

They help to bring the Tower’s history alive for millions of visitors every year, sharing stories, carrying out ceremonial duties and leading Yeoman Warder tours. And the role is hugely competitive, with stringent requirements to be met.

Applicants for the role of Yeoman Warder of His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London must have served at least 22 years in the armed forces, hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal, and have reached the rank of Warrant Officer or equivalent. Only then can they be selected for interview and a rigorous selection process.

YW Lee Fox served over 23 years in the British Army and was deployed on operational tours to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. Much of his time in the army has been spent in Colchester at the heart of the Parachute Regiment. His career has taken him all across the country, including Dover, Catterick and St Athan.

Most recently, he served as part of the Parachute Training Support Unit at RAF Brize Norton, supporting parachuting across all three services including the Parachute Regiment and the wider Airborne forces. He spoke of his pride at his new appointment, and the surreal nature of now having one of the most famous addresses on the planet.

He said: “It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be selected for this amazing position, especially as the first Parachute Regiment Yeoman Warder. I’ve had my eye on becoming a Yeoman Warder for years, so this experience has been quite surreal and I’m constantly in disbelief!

“It’s a bit strange to be living in central London, but my fellow Yeoman Warders have been instrumental in making me feel at home.” Over the coming months, he will learn ‘the Story’ – the script of the famous Yeoman Warder tour which must be learned verbatim before he will be permitted to lead his own tours of the Tower of London.

He will also learn the 21 separate duties conducted by the Yeoman Body each day, including safeguarding the Crown Jewels and carrying out the ancient Ceremony of the Keys – the closing ceremony that has taken place every single night for at least 700 years.

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