A WEST Yorkshire woman has become only the sixth female 'Beefeater' ever at the Tower of London.

Lisa Garland from Halifax has become one of two new Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London, joining the 33 other ‘Beefeaters’ who live and work at the Tower, alongside their families.

The role of Yeoman Warder, or ‘Beefeater’ as they are popularly known, was created in 1485 by Henry VII – but the role can trace its origins back to warders who guarded the Tower of London and from the reign of William the Conqueror.

Applicants for the role must have served at least 22 years in the armed forces, hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal, and have reached a certain rank in their service, before being selected for interview and a rigorous selection process. 

YW Lisa Garland was born and raised in Halifax and served for 22 years as an air traffic controller in the Royal Air Force.

Reaching the rank of Flight Sergeant, YW Garland served all over the UK during her military career, as well as in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Cyprus.

The sixth woman to take on the role of Yeoman Warder in its 500-year history, YW Garland says her appointment “feels very surreal” and that she is “still pinching” herself that she has had the opportunity to take on this historic role".