'loaf-eater', the counterpart of hlaford 'loaf-warden' and hlæfdige, which became ' lord' and ' lady' respectively. While this is the most-cited etymology, including by the Corps themselves, some etymologists have noted the term's similarity to hláf-æta, the Old English term for a menial servant, lit. These broths were known, at the time, as bef or beffy. Beefeaters also commonly produced and consumed broths made of beef, which were described as rich and hearty. The Beefeater name was carried over to the Yeomen Warders, due to the two corps' outward similarities and the Yeoman Warders' more public presence. In referring to the Yeomen of the Guard, he stated, 'A very large ration of beef is given to them daily at the court, and they might be called Beef-eaters'. The earliest connection to the Royal Household came as a reference to the Yeomen of the Guard by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, who frequented the Court in 1669. The term was common as early as the 17th century as a slang term for the English in general. The name Beefeater is of uncertain origin, with various proposed derivations. Photographed at the gates of The Tower of London 24th April 2023Īlthough the Yeomen Warders are often referred to as Yeomen of the Guard, a distinct corps of Royal Bodyguards of the British monarch, the Yeomen Warders are in fact a separate entity within this guard. A Yeoman Warder in his newly produced dress showing Charles III's Cypher.

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