Changing of the Guard: London's Iconic Ceremonies and Historic Traditions

When you think of the Changing of the Guard, a centuries-old military ceremony that marks the shift of responsibility for guarding royal residences in London. Also known as Queen's Guard**, it’s not just a spectacle—it’s a direct link to Britain’s monarchy, military discipline, and public history. You’ve probably seen the photos: red coats, tall black bearskin hats, and the steady rhythm of boots on stone. But this ritual isn’t just for cameras. It’s a living practice that’s been running since the 1600s, with roots in protecting the sovereign from real threats—not just tourists.

The Beefeaters, the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London and keepers of its secrets. Also known as Yeoman Warders, they’ve served since Henry VII’s time aren’t just part of the show—they’re the ones who know the real stories behind the Tower of London, a fortress that has held kings, queens, prisoners, and the Crown Jewels for over 900 years. Also known as London’s most powerful medieval stronghold, it’s where the Changing of the Guard often begins or ends. And those dazzling Crown Jewels, the royal regalia kept under armed guard in the Tower, including the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown. Also known as Britain’s most valuable collection of ceremonial objects, they’re the reason the Guard exists in the first place. Without them, the ceremony would lose its purpose. This isn’t theater—it’s duty.

The Changing of the Guard happens at multiple locations—Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and yes, the Tower of London—but the one at Buckingham Palace draws the biggest crowds. Still, the most authentic version? That’s at the Tower. Fewer people, deeper history, and the same Beefeaters who’ve lived inside the fortress for decades. You’ll see the same drills, the same uniforms, the same silence between commands. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s unchanged.

What you won’t see on Instagram? The early mornings when the guards walk from their barracks in Wellington Barracks, the way the hats are hand-stuffed with horsehair, or how each Beefeater must have served at least 22 years in the military before being chosen. This isn’t a job. It’s a legacy.

Below, you’ll find posts that dig into the places, people, and objects tied to this tradition—from the hidden corridors of the Tower to the stories behind the Crown Jewels, and why these symbols still matter in a modern city. No fluff. Just the facts, the history, and the quiet power of a ritual that refuses to fade.