The Beefeaters at the Tower of London, 1826–1914: Icons of Englishness or Britishness?

The Beefeaters at the Tower of London emerged as enduring symbols of British national identity during the 19th century, embodying loyalty to the Crown and historical continuity amidst societal changes. This study reveals how their distinctive uniforms and visible roles served as a unifying force in a multifaceted UK, addressing the complexities of Britishness across its constituent nations. By analyzing the period as one of crisis, the research demonstrates how the monarchy leveraged these figures to reinforce constitutional loyalty and national cohesion.

Ward, P. (2017). The Beefeaters at the Tower of London, 1826–1914: Icons of Englishness or Britishness? Four Nations Approaches to Modern ‘British’ History, 161–187. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-60142-1_7