The Yeoman Porter of the Tower Warders. (1896)
Sergeant-Major Patrick Penrose, the "Yeoman
Porter" and Chief of the Yeoman Warders of the Tower, who is seen in
the centre of the group, addressing a drummer of the 3rd Grenadier Guards,
is a veteran soldier, and has been at the Tower ever since 1873. The
Yeoman Warders at the Tower are a distinct body from the Yeomen of the
Guard, though the two corps dress alike - except for the addition of the
cross-belt which the Yeomen of the Guard wear. Their numbers are
limited to forty, and they are appointed by the Constable of the Tower
from a list of eligible warrant and non-commissioned officers of the
Army. The Yeoman Porter is answerable for the discipline of the
Warders, and ranks next after the Major of the Tower. The boy seen
on the left of the group is a son of General Dunne, the Lieutenant of the
Tower, the officer second in command under the Constable. He is
shown in fancy dress. Our photograph was taken on the occasion of
the full-dress inspection of the Tower Warders by General Dunne on the 1st
May 1896.
