New Chief Yeoman Warder and Yeoman Gaoler appointed at HM Tower of London

A new Chief Yeoman Warder and Yeoman Gaoler, the two highest-ranking Yeoman Warder 
roles, have been appointed at the Tower of London. Following the retirement of Rob Fuller, 
Paul Langley will now fill the role of Chief Yeoman Warder, while John Donald will become 
the 52nd Yeoman Gaoler, replacing Clive Towell.

The Chief Yeoman Warder is the head of the Yeoman Body, which comprises 34 other 
Yeoman Warders, or ‘Beefeaters’ as they are commonly known. While the Chief Yeoman 
Warder title has only been in place since 1914, the role itself dates back to the 1500s. The role 
of ‘Gentleman Gaoler’, was first created in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until 1889 that the 
first warder to be officially known as the Yeoman Gaoler was appointed. Although the unique 
role is now the Chief Yeoman Warder’s deputy, the Yeoman Gaoler was historically in charge 
of prisoners at the Tower, and still carries the infamous axe during ceremonial duties. The 
Yeoman Warders reside at the Tower of London - which is cared for by the independent 
charity Historic Royal Palaces - and deliver tours explaining the landmark’s long history to 
some of the over 2 million people who visit from all over the world each year. Other roles 
include conducting ceremonial duties such as the Ceremony of the Keys, a closing ceremony 
that has taken place every night at the Tower of London for at least 700 years, along with the 
Tower’s Opening Ceremony, State Parades, and the ancient ceremony of the ‘Constable’s 
Dues.’

Chief Yeoman Warder Paul Langley joined the Yeoman Body in 2021, following 35 years of 
military service, having enlisted in the RAF regiment in 1987. In addition to a three-year 
posting to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, he has completed 5 operation tours of Iraq and 5 
operational tours of Afghanistan. A father of two, he was born and raised in South Shields, 
before making Bedale in North Yorkshire his home. In his spare time, CYW Langley enjoys
being a beadle for the Coopers Livery Company, as well as watching his favourite football 
team Newcastle United.

On his appointment, Chief Yeoman Warder Paul Langley said, “It’s a real honour to have 
been appointed to the role of Chief Yeoman Warder. It has always been a dream of mine to 
be part of the Yeoman Body, but to now take up this iconic role is even more special. I’m 
looking forward to leading the team of Yeoman Warders in a role that is steeped in tradition 
and history, and continuing to share the Tower of London’s incredible history with our many 
visitors.”

Yeoman Gaoler John Donald takes up his new role after 11 years within the Yeoman Body, 
more recently becoming a Yeoman Serjeant in 2022. Before this, Yeoman Gaoler Donald
served for 23 years with the King’s Royal Hussars, which included being stationed in 
Germany, Canada, Northern Ireland and Iraq. After leaving the army in 2008, he ran the 
Combined Cadet Force at a local school in Weymouth, where he was based, although he 
originally hails from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. When not at work, the father of two 
enjoys watching most sports, as well as playing golf. He also enjoys the social side of London 
life and spending time with his wife Kim, visiting cultural and historical sites.

Yeoman Gaoler John Donald said, “I’m immensely proud to be stepping into the position of 
Yeoman Gaoler, after 11 years at the Tower of London. The role is full of history, and to be 
able to carry the ancient axe is a privilege I won’t be taking for granted. I’m looking forward 
to getting to grips with the role in the coming months, alongside our new Chief Yeoman 
Warder.”

Yeoman Warder facts
• As of July 2025, there are currently 35 Yeoman Warders at the Tower including the 
Chief Yeoman Warder and Yeoman Gaoler.
• To qualify for the role of Yeoman Warder applicants must have served at least 22 
years in the British armed forces, hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal and 
have reached the level of Warrant Officer or equivalent.
• No one is exactly sure where the name Beefeater comes from. 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! These days they prefer the title Yeoman 
Warder. In fact the full and proper title is Yeoman Warder of His Majesty’s Royal 
Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Body 
Guard of the Yeoman Guard in Extraordinary.
• There are two uniforms for the Yeoman Body. The Ceremonial Uniform is worn for 
state occasions; for example, when the monarch visits the Tower or for any state 
occasion that the Body attends. It is scarlet and gold with red stockings, white ruff 
and black shoes. On a typical day, visitors to the Tower will see the Yeoman Warders 
wearing their blue undress uniform, of different weights for summer and winter.
• The sovereign’s initials have appeared on uniforms worn by Yeoman Warders since 
1570, and the Blue Undress uniform was updated just before the 2023 Coronation to 
bear the new cypher of King Charles III, as a continuation of this tradition.

For further information and images please contact the Historic Royal Palaces 
Press Office via sophie.lemagnen@hrp.org.uk / 020 3166 6166

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most 
wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and 
we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find 
themselves in the spaces and stories we share.
Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk