New Beefeater joins Tower of London

Emdad Rahman interviews Yeoman Warder Clive Towell.

Clive Towell, 44, lives with his partner Sheena Lott and their two daughters – Sophie, 14, and Mollie, 12.  Clive told me, “I am from Cheltenham Gloucester but have been in the Army since the age of 16.  I live with Sheena in Horley, Surrey.  We are both looking forward to moving into the Tower once my probation period has finished in six months.”

Which regiments have you served with?
I have served with the Kings Royal Hussars for almost my full career of 29 years. I started off as a Trooper and finished a Regimental Sergeant Major.  I then went on and became the first Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps Sergeant Major, a position I held for two years.

Where have you been stationed?
I have been stationed in the UK, Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, Belize, Bosnia, Iraq and France.

What role did you have before becoming a Yeoman Warder?
I was the Senior Recruiter at ACIO Bromley.

How does it feel to be appointed a Yeoman Warder?
I am very proud to have been selected as a Yeoman Warder.  I am looking forward to serving for the next 20 or so years!  I found out about the role from serving Yeoman Warders at the Tower.  The recruitment procedure took about three months and was a very fair process.

What are your first impressions of life as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London?
Life is good at the Tower.   It’s great working with the public and outdoors.  I have a great deal to learn over the next six months, but it all seems to be settling down well.

How are you finding living in Central London?
I love it.  There is so much to see and do.

What will you be doing over the next few weeks?
Working on my Tour – trying to learn the script!