Read the text and decide if the following statements are true, false or not stated.
Beefeaters
The Yeomen Warders have been guarding the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels for more than four centuries. Since the Tudor times, candidates for the section have been carefully and strictly selected. Now it has 37 Yeomen Warders headed by the Chief Warder. It required that every new member should be a retired officer with more than 20 years of service with honour.
Another common name of the guards is the “beefeaters”. There are debates about how the word formed. Some linguists refer to the similar old English forms that meant “servants”. But the majority think that the guards received too much meat and rich soup from the court, much more than ordinary soldiers. Thus, the nickname “beefeaters” appeared.
Beefeater’s job has not always been prestigious. Centuries ago they got a room and food and had no money. In search of better pay, they used to sell their jobs. In the 18th century, selling position was officially stopped and Yeomen got good pay. Still, from the hard times the salutation “May you never die a Yeoman Warder” comes. It means “Be lucky”.
Beefeaters are on duty at the Tower all day long. After 11 pm they close it safe for the night. The old ceremony of the keys is still popular with visitors. During the day Beefeaters are busy with leading guided tours around the Tower and being constantly photographed. Perhaps, staying calm and polite when dealing with a million people a year is the hardest job but they do not mind it. One of the traditional posts in the Tower is the Raven master. The Yeoman looks after the birds, feeds them and clears up the cages. It is a serious responsibility because the birds are the symbol of the kingdom’s wealth. The birds seem to realize the importance of their mission and enjoy the place. Now they are seven, each having its own name. Another Yeoman’s responsibility is to be a Master Tailor. He makes sure that all Beefeaters have clothes according to their individual measures. The style of the uniform has not changed much over the centuries. The casual set is mostly blue with red stripes. On great occasions like the monarch’s visits to the Tower Beefeaters put on special red and golden dress clothes.
As Beefeaters are not allowed to leave their post they do not only serve but also live in the Tower. The Yeomen’s apartments are built in the Tower walls but have a modern interior. Those who want to take a break from the job are allowed to have homes outside the Tower. Besides, there is a Beefeaters’ club within the territory where they meet at free time. Keeping the balance between work and life is difficult for most Beefeaters because the ancient walls of the Tower are their home combined with office. Unlike ancient warders, they realize the exceptional privilege of guarding the history of the place that London started with. In spite of all the challenges, they are proud of their job and call it unique.

• Группы
  • TRUE
  • FALSE
  • NOT STATED
• Варианты
  • There is NO single opinion about the origin of the name.
  • Any military officer can be a Yeoman Warder.
  • It is a rule to keep more than six ravens in the Tower.
  • Early beefeaters were poor.
  • Beefeaters do not communicate with tourists.
  • The uniform for Yeomen Warders has different designs.
  • Beefeaters pay a rent for their living in the Tower.
  • Beefeaters dislike their job.