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    Why are the guards at the Tower of London called Beefeaters?

    Question #71458. Asked by groovey67. (Oct 12 06 8:22 PM)


    wendypj

    		From the French word 'buffetier' which was the name given to the guards who protected the Kings food.

    http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/Beefeaters.htm

    Oct 12 06, 9:00 PM
    SOTHC

    		http://www.geocities.com/c_vestrini/language/etymology.htm would disagree

    This term for the Warders of the Tower of London was in use by 1670. The term is quite literal, being a reference well-fed servants of the royal household.

    It is often postulated the term comes from the French buffetier. This is incorrect.



    Oct 13 06, 12:38 AM
    SOTHC

    		And http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Yeomen_Warders

    Oct 13 06, 12:42 AM
    SOTHC

    		A link in that last reference leads you to the following:- Yeoman Warders are erroneously called 'Beefeaters'. The most likely explanation is that Yeoman Warders were given a daily ration of meat for their duties. Records show that even in 1813 the daily ration for the thirty men on duty was 24lbs of beef, 18lbs mutton and 16lbs of veal!


    Oct 13 06, 12:44 AM
    wendypj

    		I stand corrected SOTHC

    Oct 13 06, 12:52 AM

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