Vic Lucas

Military Service & Rank: 23 years military career in the army: Regimental Sergeant Major

Yeoman at the Tower Since: 1992

Interests & Hobbies: Running, Chess, History

Born and raised in Edinburgh Scotland, Vic Lucas's 23 years in the army kept him constantly on the move taking him as far as Australia, Cyprus, Norway, Greece, Turkey, Malta to name but a few. This certainly satisfied his taste for travel and was a far cry from his pre-military days as a roof-slater and steeplejack. As his time in the military grew closer to the end he began thinking about what the future would hold, especially as he had no definite plans. One day however, a friend suggested that Vic applied for a position as a Yeoman Warder, which of course he did. Needless to say, he was accepted and now, a few years down the line he says that he has still has no regrets at his decision to take up a post in the Tower.

So how does Vic Lucas feel about life in the Tower of London? I asked him and this is what he had to say: "The guy that suggested I apply for the position was actually the lieutenant of the Tower, Lieutenant General Bob Richardson. The biggest shock for me is that once I had been officially accepted as a member of the Yeoman Body I was invited, along with my wife to live inside the Tower of London.. I didn't know that anybody lived within these walls so I became quite overawed with the prospect, and I have to say, quite excited as well. This has got to be one of the most interesting jobs around and I'm just as thrilled to be here today as I was on my very first day".

And what is it that makes being here so special: "We (the Yeoman Warders) get to spend most of our time outdoors, which personally I love. We get to meet all sorts of different people from every corner of the world and, of course the historical aspect of the Tower is absolutely incredible".

For anyone with even just the slightest leaning towards history the Tower of London, with its 900 years of Kings, Queens, executions, priceless jewels, pomp and pageantry conjures up incredible images of days long gone. To be a Yeoman Warder, one of the main requirements is that they have much more than just a passing interest in history. For Vic Lucas however, his high level of interest and knowledge goes way beyond what is required in the subject and makes being part of the Tower of London perhaps the most ideal place to put this to full use.

An interesting fact is that Tower historian / archivist Brian Harrison was quick to spot Vic's passion and fascination for history. He has now taken him under his wing to pass on his own extensive knowledge so that when Brian eventually retires from his post at the Tower Vic will step into his shoes as the official Tower historian.

On a lighter note I asked him whether he had seen any thing supernatural i.e. ghosts, ghouls or other malevolent spirits since he has been a resident of the Tower of London. His immediate reply was that so far "fortunately" the only spirits that he has seen are in bottles and glasses inside the Yeoman warders club. He hopes that it will remain that way.