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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Sam Barker

Fancy £30k a year and a Tower of London flat? The Beefeaters are hiring

If you fancy a flat in the Tower of London, a free uniform and £30,000 a year then you might be in luck - because the Beefeaters are hiring.

There are just two small snags - there are only two vacancies, and you have to be a former member of the armed forces.

But for the right applicant, the job is a dream.

Traditionally the Beefeaters, formally known as the Yeoman Warders, were responsible for guarding the Crown Jewels and guarding any prisoners held in the Tower of London. They have existed since 1485.

Now they are best-known for giving guided tours of the Tower - but are still required to prevent thefts and help keep the complex secure.

At full strength there are 37 Yeoman Warders and one Chief Warder (Getty Images)
The Beefeaters are a unique club - with just 40 members (AFP via Getty Images)

To apply, you will need to have served 22 years in the British or Commonwealth armed forces and be a former warrant officer with both the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The Beefeater job advert gives a unique insight into the role of the iconic guards.

A key responsibility is to "stir the spirit of every visitor", along with being a friendly and informative tour guide and taking part in ceremonies and parades.

Of course, they have to know a lot about the monarchy and the Tower itself. Recognising how famous the Beefeater uniforms are, applicants must also be happy having their photo taken.

The Tower guards also have to prevent theft or damage at the Tower, and respond to incidents, and must be physically fit.

Their starting salary is around £24,996 a year, but they can expect to get around £30,000 with allowances.

The Beefeaters work 37 hours a week, not including breaks, and work 14 days out of every three weeks. This includes weekends, overtime and occasional night shifts, as they are responsible for guarding the Tower at night.

They get 23 days off a year, rising to 25.5 after three years' employment and 26.5 after ten years - plus bank holidays.

The Beefeater's famous outer uniforms are provided for free.

One of the major perks of the job is getting to live within the Tower, which is "expected" of them.

Each Beefeater can get a two-bed unfurnished flat in the Tower complex once they pass their probation period, and veteran warders can get three-bed properties.

But there are some strings attached.

Firstly, the Beefeaters pay rent. At the moment they pay 8.5% of their pensionable pay a year.

They also pay utility bills and council tax - the London Borough of Tower Hamlets apparently having little respect for tradition on this point.

One of the warders is called the ravenmaster, and looks after the Tower ravens.

Legend has it that "if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it".

King Charles II ordered that at least six ravens be kept at the Tower, which is still the case today.

But despite the apparent threat to the realm, the Beefeaters are allowed to own cats and dogs.

However, there is a quota for the pets, and new warders may have to wait their turn if they want to bring a furry friend along.

At full strength there are 37 Yeoman Warders and one Chief Warder.

Five took voluntary redundancies last year, when their ultimate employer, Historic Royal Palaces, announced 145 out of 1,165 jobs were at risk.

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