Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the top floor, ogle the giant dragon made out of old weapons. In the case at the end
of this hall, see the Tower's actual execution ax and chopping block. In 1747, this seven-
pound ax sliced through the neck of Lord Lovat, a Scottish supporter of Bonnie Prince
Charlie's claim to the throne. With his death, the ax was retired.
The Beefeaters
The original duty of the Yeoman Warders (called “Beefeaters”) was to guard the
Tower, its prisoners, and the jewels. Their nickname may come from an original
perk of the job—large rations of the king's beef. The Beefeaters dress in blue knee-
length coats with red trim and a top hat. The “ER” on the chest stands for the mon-
arch they serve—Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabetha Regina in Latin). On special oc-
casions, they wear red. All are retired non-commissioned officers from the armed
forces with distinguished service records.
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