London: The latest coins from the UK’s Royal Mint celebrating the iconic Tower of London were released, that feature the Yeoman Warders who have watched over the tower and its collections, including the Crown Jewels for generations.
Following on from the Crown Jewels coin, the Yeoman Warders coin continues the epic story of one of Britain’s most iconic heritage sites, a Unesco World Heritage site, Xinhua news agency reported.
To become a Yeoman Warders recruits, both men and women, must have served in the British military for a minimum of 22 years and must also have reached the rank of warrant officer. They were once part of the Yeomen of the Guard, the monarch’s bodyguards who accompanied and protected kings or queens everywhere they went.
In Tudor times, King Henry VII believed such an important building as the Tower of London also needed special protection, and so the Royal Bodyguard took on a new duty. The Yeoman Warders were formed for this specific task, which they still carry out today.
Royal Mint Director of Consumer Business Nicola Howell said on Thursday: “The Yeoman Warders are such an iconic part of British History and an integral part of the Tower of London. No visit to the Tower is possible without the Warders and we are delighted to be celebrating their history of service with this coin. The coin also featuring a special Tower mint mark that represents the relationship between the Tower of London and The Royal Mint.”
Emma Saunders from Historic Royal Palaces said: “We are thrilled to be working with The Royal Mint on these stunning coins, which celebrate the Yeoman Warders long and distinguished service and vital contribution to British history.”
