Keith Hanson

Military Service & Rank: 30 years, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers

Yeoman at the Tower Since: 1997

Interests & Hobbies: Motorcycles (present day & vintage) / History / Socialising

To the millions of visitors to the Tower of London the Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters, as they are commonly known often appear as timeless yet faceless fixtures to this great landmark of English history. The truth is that for the seven hundred years of the Yeoman Warders existence as constables of the Tower each uniform has been worn by an individual with his own likes, dislikes, personal preferences and hobbies etc. This is more prevalent today than at any other time as taboos, regulations and barriers become more relaxed.

Sadly the past few months has seen the retirement of several of the senior Warders including the Queen Mothers personal Beefeater, Joe Hubble. Fortunately, they are never too far away as the Yeoman Warders club is always an open house for them. Nevertheless, duty-wise they cease to exist, but, as in all walks of life there are beginnings and ends to everything and there is no exception to the working life of a Yeoman Warder.

The Body of Yeoman Warders is made up of approximately 39 members so for each one that leaves service another begins. Keith Hanson is one of the newer breeds of Yeoman Warder having been at the Tower at this time of writing for just one year.

What are the feelings of someone so new at being part of something so elitist and working and living in a place of such historical significance. I asked him about his new roll in life as a Yeoman Warder and this is what he had to say,

'I am totally intrigued and blown away by the whole set-up here. History was never a high point with me at school but I have learnt so much since I've been here that I can't believe it. I can't get enough of what the Tower gives out in atmosphere and feeling, it really is an amazing place. The hi-light of my working day is taking guided tours of between two to four hundred visitors around the Towers grounds. This is something that really does appeal to my natural way of dealing with people. I have always enjoyed entertaining guests on a social level but now I have the opportunity to really excel at it.

On the question of entertaining, I am an active member of the Yeoman Warders club, which basically means I like a good drink, especially after a hard day's work. I am also a great lover of motorcycling and own a Honda Goldwing. This bike is around eighteen years old and requires quite a lot of loving attention. It does give me a lot of pleasure and is fun to deal with. I have to put a lot of effort in keeping it up to scratch maintenance wise but its definitely worth it and I take every opportunity to ride it on my days of.

As with all the other Yeoman Warders I am married and live here at the Tower with my wife and, at present my daughter. I also have a son who following his father's footsteps is in the military services. It has to be said that my family are almost as intrigued as I am with my new life as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. I can honestly say that if the past year is anything to go by, I don't think my future here will bring me any regrets at all'.

So there you have it, the very positive thoughts and feelings of one of the Tower's most recent recruits to the Body of Yeoman Warders, Keith Hanson.