Lee Fox, originally from Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, has made history as the first former member of the Parachute Regiment to be appointed as a Yeoman Warder or ‘Beefeater’ at the Tower of London. Fox, who has served the British Army for 23 years, including deployments to Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, has now transferred into this esteemed position. Sharing his enthusiasm, Fox said, “I’ve served the monarch my entire life so to continue to do that as one of the monarch’s bodyguards is absolutely unbelievable.”
The preconditions of becoming a Yeoman Warder include at least 22 years of military service, the receipt of a Long Service and Good Conduct medal, and a ranking no lower than that of Warrant Officer. The beginning of Fox’s journey into this unique chapter involved mastering the detailed 8,000-word script for the famous Tower tours, a feat he describes as both difficult and gratifying.
Despite being stationed in Colchester and most recently serving at RAF Brize Norton, Fox remains deeply connected to his Lincolnshire roots. In a recent conversation with BBC Radio Lincolnshire, he divulged details about his new position. He resides within the outer walls of the Tower of London alongside 34 other Yeoman Warders and describes the community as ‘fantastic’ and ‘surreal’ once the visitors leave. Fox’s story brings a moment of pride to North East Lincolnshire as a local individual undertakes such a historic and honourable role.
A version of this story was originally reported by www.bbc.com and revised for The Lincoln Post.
