6! a trip to london is never complete without a visit to the tower of london. the site dates back to the 11th century arid is guarded by the yeoman warders, or 'beefeaters! king henry vlll first introduced beefeaters in 1485 when he used them as bodyguards. their duties included looking after the prisoners in the tower and guarding the crown jewels. these days though, their main role is to act as guides for the many tourists that visit the tower every year. they also take care of the eight big black ravens live in the tower.there are 36 yeoman warders at the tower and they are all men who were in the armed forces for 22 years or more. they live in the tower with their families.