First woman joins Beefeaters at Tower

The Tower of London is to get the first female Beefeater in its 522-year history.

The unnamed woman beat off competition from five men to secure the role as a Yeoman Warder. She will don the gold and scarlet livery in September.

Officials at the Tower said gender had not been a consideration in the interview.

Spokeswoman Natasha Woollard said: "There were six candidates for the vacancy, and she was the only female. She was awarded the job on merit - she will replace one who is retiring."

Her uniform will be slightly different from her male colleagues' so that it will fit her properly.

The Yeoman Warders was created in 1485 by Henry VII as a bodyguard. Their main task was to protect the Crown Jewels and prisoners. Five hundred years later, the duties include posing for up to 200 photos a day, explaining the history of the Tower to tourists and looking after the famous ravens. Security is also important as the Tower has become a terrorist target.

Beefeaters - the nickname is thought to come from the daily ration of beef they received - are also extraordinary members of the Queen's Bodyguard. To join the 35-strong guard, a candidate must have 22 years' service in the forces.