Scottish woman becomes first female Beefeater

Woman Beefeater - scottish lady
United States
September 4, 2007 2:44pm CST
I dont expect much response to this discussion but I decided to post it anyway. It really tickled me that the first woman to hold this very prestigeous and coveted position is a Scots woman. I caught it this morning on the Today Show and it was her accent that drew my attention..bet that teed quite a few limeys off? LOL. Any comments?A 42-year-old Scottish woman became the first female "Beefeater" on Monday, taking up her post as a guardian of Britain's Tower of London. Moira Cameron started duties as a Yeoman Warder after beating five men to secure the coveted position. She wore the traditional dress of a scarlet and gold tunic, white ruff, red stockings and black patent leather shoes. Her duties include guarding the crown jewels, participating in the Ceremony of the Keys and giving visitors guided tours. Some two million people from around the world visit the Tower of London each year. Beefeaters, believed to have earned their nickname from their daily ration of meat, date from 1485 when King Henry VII formed a bodyguard. Today, there are 35 Beefeaters, plus the Chief Yeoman Warder and Yeoman Gaoler. To apply to become a Beefeater, candidates must have earned medals for long service* and good conduct.* Minimum of 27 years in the military. Cameron, from Argyll in the west of Scotland, joined the army in June 1985.
4 people like this
10 responses
4 Sep 07
let me tell you sweet lady, i served in libya in 1942 with the Scots and a braver group of men i have never encountered. to have a Scots beefeater that is a woman, well i for one would never have the nerve to cross a scots woman!
3 people like this
• United States
4 Sep 07
You are very wise. Even although I am originally a Scots woman I would never cross one either. BTW I lived in Tripoli Libya for 4 years. That was when King Idris was still alive before Qaddafi (sp?) came into power.
2 people like this
@mummymo (23706)
5 Sep 07
Jeffery you are a very lovely and wise man! We Scottish women can be quite formiddable but we are also very warm and loving! xxx
@weemam (13372)
4 Sep 07
And why not pal EH! I read about this in the Daily Record a few weeks ago , I think it is brilliant , but then I think all wee Scottish wimen will think the same Hope you are well and happy pal xxx
• United States
4 Sep 07
I am doing real well hope you are the same. You know how proud I am of my Scottish background.
1 person likes this
@weemam (13372)
4 Sep 07
I am fine thanks pal , on the other site more often now , I still like to come in here though and talk to my pals like you . I am very proud of being Scottish too pal xxx
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Sep 07
Oops I forgot to post the link to this aticle: http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSL0359119820070903
• India
5 Sep 07
Yes, even I read it in yesterday’s paper and as a woman, it really made me feel good inside. Only thing I did not understand was why were these Bodyguards called ‘beefeater’ but your post answered that too. Thnks for sharing the info.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Sep 07
You are very welcome.
@Eskimo (2315)
4 Sep 07
The Scots are reputed to be the best soldiers in the world, but most of them are scared of the scots women, so why shouldn't a female scot become a Beefeater in the Tower of London. I'm quite sure King Henry probably won't approve and turning in his grave, but Its not all that long ago since women had proper careers in the u.k. army, so making them eligible to become Beefeaters.
2 people like this
• United States
4 Sep 07
Old King Henry woul probably beheaded her before allowing that to happen.
1 person likes this
@Eskimo (2315)
4 Sep 07
Actually, I think it was his son Henry VIII who enjoyed having fun with axes, and usually his wives at the other end of them, not sure how he would get on with female Scottish soldiers, I'ms sure he would have been feared of them as well.
• United States
5 Sep 07
I was referring to Henry the Eighth sorry I should have made that clear.
@mummymo (23706)
5 Sep 07
What do I think well it is a double whammy as far as I am concerned! A woman and a Scot - fantastic! It is great to see and I hope it disillusions some of those pwople who have very poor opinions of us Scots! xxx
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Sep 07
Anyone who has a poor opinion of us must not know us or be very well educated we are - loyal, brave, generous to a fault but canny with our money, loving, proud, etc. etc. etc .....
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
5 Sep 07
How true that is honey - not that either of us is biased! lol To be honest I am very proud of being Scottish and i think we all should be! xxx
• United States
5 Sep 07
I think it's wonderful! Love her smile and attitude! And I'm really glad she's a Scotswoman. That makes it all the sweeter! Oh, and I'm proud of my Scottish heritage, too.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Sep 07
I agree her her smile and attitude really came across on the TV interview.
• United States
5 Sep 07
Yea! This is great! Women often fall the wayside when it comes to jobs that are traditionally held only by men. Thank you for posting this article.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
4 Sep 07
wow good for her . and I do bet it is thier panties in a wad to have a Scotswoman get in. and I wouldnt have know what you were talking about except I responded lately to a responce to a resnce I made and Beefeaters came up so I do know what they are. When Y a just say Beefeater us amiericans think of eatting beef . Now think about that one lol hugs
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
4 Sep 07
oops Americans
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
4 Sep 07
If the requirement is a minimum of 27 years in the military and Cameron joined in 1985, that's only 22 years. I'm thinking that in in this day and age Cameron might just be a "token female". It's good to see in any case.
• United States
4 Sep 07
Please forgive me and I humbly apologise for that mistake. I did not notice it until after I had posted it but 22 or 25 it is still a very long time. I prefer to think she earned it.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
5 Sep 07
I'm sure she did. This lady is obviously of a very high calibre and a fabulous role model to all. I wish her success and joy.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
5 Sep 07
WEll I think its wonderful when women "step up to the plate" so to speak! In Canada the genders are equal by Law, and I'd like to see this world wide! Women are just as capable (or more so) than men. One of the worst offenders (for holding women back) is the Vatican. This is because The church fears women will take the Power and Authority away from the Pope. (there was once a woman Pope but she got pregnant) Hahaha! Anyway, Congratulations to Cameron!