End of an era for the Chief Yeoman Warder

EMDAD RAHMAN meets the Tower of London’s Chief Beefeater

John Keohane MVO BEM, Chief Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, is retiring at the end of this month after more than two decades service at Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress.

The Chief Yeoman Warder is the most senior member of the Sovereign's Bodyguard based at the Tower of London known as the Body of Yeoman Warders, and commonly called ‘Beefeaters’.

John joined the Body in 1991, shortly after leaving the Royal Corps of Signals; he began as a Yeoman Warder and was promoted to the position of Chief Yeoman Warder in 2004. He is the longest serving Chief Yeoman Warder since 1947 and the second longest serving in history.

Having enlisted in the army in 1964, John saw service in Singapore, Oman, the Falkland Islands, Belgium, Holland and Northern Ireland. He worked up through the ranks to Warrant Officer Class II and was awarded a host of decorations including the British Empire Medal in 1985 and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1984. John currently lives at the Tower with his wife Ruth, and they have two children, Paula and Andrew and six grandchildren, Charlotte, Rebecca, Jonathon Nathan, Elizabeth and James.

John reminded readers that the Tower of London is in fact a village within Tower Hamlets. “Everyone who lives within these confines pays Council Tax to Tower Hamlets Council,” he said.

During his twenty years John has met some very interesting people. The Royal Family though are his favourites. He said: “All the various family that we get to meet are special. I have personally known HRH the Princess Royal for many years. During my Military days she was my Colonel in Chief.

“I was also fortunate enough to give a personal tour to Mrs Michelle Obama, her mother and two girls.

“She said she would bring back Mr Obama, but were still waiting. It’s not as if he’s that busy,” he added with a wink.

Upon John’s retirement, Yeoman Gaoler Alan Kingshott (the Chief’s deputy) will be promoted to the position of Chief Yeoman Warder. Alan joined the Body of Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London in March 1998, following a distinguished 25-year career in the Royal Hussars.

Enlisting as a Boy Soldier in 1968, he progressed through the ranks to become a Warrant Officer, instructing his squadron in tank gunnery. His military life took him to Canada, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Germany and Oman.

Nowadays, Alan lives with his wife Patricia in the heart of the Tower of London, is a keen gardener, and enjoys the occasional round of golf with colleagues.

John’s deputy and successor has been at the Tower of London for 14 years. John has no doubts that Alan will effortlessly slot into his big boots: “This is a challenging year with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the Olympics, the Olympic Torch coming to the Tower and the Thames Flotilla. He’ll be absolutely fine.”

John’s busy day officially starts at 8am on the dot every day. He has 37 Yeoman Warders, of which 21 are required during the morning headcount to ensure that all posts are manned before the gates are opened to the public.

The afternoon is spent completing admin tasks and fulfilling engagement and ceremonial roles. At 3pm John presides over the Ceremony of the Word – a display to show the public that there is a Military Garrison presence within the Tower of London.

The Chief Yeoman Warder's daily role within the Tower is to manage the Body of Yeoman Warders, ensuring they are trained and equipped to the highest standards required by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity responsible for the Tower of London; to oversee the duties and responsibilities of the Yeoman Gaoler and the five Yeoman Serjeants; and to liaise directly with the Resident Governor on all matters affecting the traditions and heritage of the Body of Yeoman Warders.

The Body consists of a total of 37 Yeoman Warders who all come from a Military background, have completed a minimum of 22 years in the Armed Forces, having achieved the minimum rank of Warrant Officer, be aged between 40 and 50 years of age on taking up the appointment and be in possession of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The ceremonial role of the Chief Yeoman Warder - known up until Victorian times as the Gentleman Porter - involves overseeing the Ceremony of the Keys, the nightly closing down ceremony of the Tower.

Every night, with an escort of four soldiers, the outer gates of the Tower are locked and secured for the night, witnessed by up to 80 members of the public who can apply for tickets to watch the event.

“The ceremony takes place at 10pm on each and every night of the year and has been taking place with the walls of this great fortress for over 700
years,” said John.

The Historic Royal Palaces is a Charity. “We don’t receive a penny from the Government and every penny earned is ploughed straight back in,” John say’s.

He added: “The Tower of London is managed by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity also responsible for Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace. Historic Royal Palaces help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built.

“We receive no funding from the Government or the Crown, and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors. These palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

“We believe in four principles. Guardianship: giving these palaces a future as long and valuable as their past. Discovery: encouraging people to make links with their own lives and today’s world. Showmanship: doing everything with panache. Independence: having our own point of view and finding new ways to do our work.” 

John’s retirement will allow him to spend more time on his hobbies including hill walking, computers, Heritage Steam Railways. Once a year, John becomes Sir Topham Hat, the Fat Controller for Thomas the Tank Engine themed trips on the South Devon Railway.  He also drives the Routemaster Bus (RM 1872) that is owned by the Railway and provides a Heritage Bus Service around Buckfastleigh.

He is an institution within an institution and will be sorely missed.

www.hrp.org.uk

Registered charity number 1068852 


PS: If you visit the Tower be wary of the muckface who mans the pass office outside the Tower gates. Rude, obnoxious and definitely needs retraining on how to greet visitors from all over the world.