The King's Bodyguards - Ep. 1: The Yeomen of the Guard

Рет қаралды 98,969

Жыл бұрын

A series explaining the history, uniforms and roles of the many British royal ceremonial units.
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Help support my channels:
www.paypal.me/markfeltonprodu...
/ markfeltonproductions
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: Ministry of Defence; Dan Marsh; Arpingstone; Ibagli; Gordon Leggett; R Boel; Aurelien Guichard; Runner1928

Пікірлер: 355

@adamsteele6148 Жыл бұрын

I see mark I click

@aaronomahony Жыл бұрын

He approves of your word Adam. You've been chosen.

@adamsteele6148 Жыл бұрын

@@aaronomahony the honor is mine

@jaybee9269 Жыл бұрын

Yup.

@adamsteele6148 Жыл бұрын

@Wagner Football Club Thesaloniki (Thessalonians) we all click

@tmfo2024 Жыл бұрын

Top Marks.

@Lupinthe3rd. Жыл бұрын

Its interesting to note that the tassels on the yeoman pikes (or any polearms like halberds for that matter) are not intended to be ornamental or ceremonial but instead are a practical part of the weapon itself. The tassels are put on pikes to absorb blood thus preventing the polearm from becoming greasy and slipping in combat almost like a mop.

@leemichael2154 Жыл бұрын

Awsome! Thanks for letting me know something I didn't know

@arnbo88 Жыл бұрын

The tassels like their Chinese spear counterparts, also serve to when fencing with the spear and it also allows the user to see where his own spear point is located. Hence, bright colours for the tassel.

@mayamanign Жыл бұрын

I don't find it dizzying, I find it wonderful. Love the pomp and circumstance.

@JohnRodriguesPhotographer Жыл бұрын

The household cavalry regiment has beautiful uniforms. I love the pomp in ceremony that they have in the United Kingdom. I am saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. God save the King

@tedcrilly46 Жыл бұрын

The ceremony eventually becomes pointless and empty after a point. Just tradition for traditions sake. The pudding spinner holding the stick of snakes in his left hand because it looks fancy. Have him give 4 whistles and a foot stomp. Oh look isn't it different. Fuck the monarchs and their simps.

@pa5287 Жыл бұрын

u think we still live in the middle ages plus not saddened be same as always life goes on

@evo5dave Жыл бұрын

I love that there is a backup Mark who enthusiastically shouts stuff that Mark forgot to say. "And also at the Tower of London!"

@vk2ig Жыл бұрын

It really sounds like the Backup Mark is in the next room.

@maverick4177 Жыл бұрын

Proud to have served in the Blues and Royals 👍🏻 great content Mr Felton as always Charles the Second formed the Life Guards when he rode from Restoration house in Rochester Kent to be reinstated as King of England

@skwalka6372 Жыл бұрын

Good for you! All this ceremonial stuff is just lovely. The one thing I wish the did differently are the guns of the Scots Guards, something "period" would look nicer. =)

@caniconcananas7687 Жыл бұрын

@@skwalka6372 I think their assault rifles are meant to be used against 21th century attackers, not against the musqueteers of Richelieu. If the Scots Guards were armed with arquebuses or musquets... Well, perhaps they would not be on pair with any holder of automatic weapons. Think about the assassins at Paris 2015 with their Kalashnikovs.

@diona3061 Жыл бұрын

You guys are way cooler than the Life Guards.

@evancrum6811 Жыл бұрын

That's really cool!

@bigblue6917 Жыл бұрын

Just think. These guards go back so far they are older than some countries.

@VosperCDN Жыл бұрын

Love when a ceremonial unit has a longer history than most (?) countries have been around in their current manner.

@faithlesshound5621 9 ай бұрын

The Beefeaters were founded seven years before Columbus reached the Caribbean Islands.

@charlesclarke3538 Жыл бұрын

Appreciate the disctinction between the Yeoman and the Yeoman Warders, they often get confused with each other. Interesting historical note, I have heard we don't know more about the Yeoman of the Guard because their records were burned at one point.

@bobelliott2748 Жыл бұрын

My father (Royal Canadian Artillery) who served on the front lines in WW2 guarded Buck Pal in 1946. He told me all about the marching. My father-in-law was in the Irish Guards and also guarded Buck Pal around the same time. Interesting video.

@RT-mm8rq Жыл бұрын

Regardless what someone may feel about the monarchy, I really like hearing about the history behind the uniforms and the origins of the soldiers who wear them.

@boozecruiser Жыл бұрын

It's the same with the Romans, many of them were pedophile wastrels like the British royal family, but it's still interesting

@garrysekelli6776 Жыл бұрын

Somehow i thought that the yeomen were called beefeaters. Like the gin.

@hobblywobbly4681 Жыл бұрын

What's wrong with Monarchy?

@RT-mm8rq Жыл бұрын

I don't have a problem with the monarchy at all, but it doesn't really affect me, I'm not British. IMO it is a part of their national identity with a rich history some of it good, some bad just like any nations past. But as I have read there are those who wish to see it go away as a relic of the past.

@RT-mm8rq Жыл бұрын

@@garrysekelli6776 I think they were. I'm pretty sure that I watched a show that said reason they were called that was because while under service to the King they were given extra portions of beef as a perk.

@herseem Жыл бұрын

I'm absolutely certain Mark Felton must already know this, but he abbreviated the story about them saving king James from the gunpowder quite a lot. They weren't just patrolling, they were actively searching for something as the plot to blew up the king and parliament had got so many people involved that eventually someone leaked that something was going to happen.

@emreus1 Жыл бұрын

Correction: "Partisan" is the name of the specific polearm head they are carrying. Not the sword or the dagger. The symmetrical lance/pike head in the pictures you provided is the "Partisan". Always love your content. Kind regards.

@gray1shark Жыл бұрын

Beat me too it. Lol

@ronkolek613 Жыл бұрын

I thought those were spontoons?

@unicorn_6932 Жыл бұрын

‘Not the sword *nor* the dagger’

@emreus1 Жыл бұрын

@@unicorn_6932 Thank you.

@AA-ke5cu Жыл бұрын

Yes MARK gets a lot of obvious details wrong in a lot of his videos; enough to question his knowledge and expertise in developing his not so accurate information from the slanted British perspective. Did Hitler get away to Argentina? Yes he did. Flying saucers in ANTARCTICA during Byrd? Oh yes indeed. Submarine pens under the Antarctica ice? Yes indeed. Forestall murdered? Yes indeed. Shall we go on for another half hour? Was Amelia's plane destroyed by American marines? Yes indeed....

@randylahey4519 Жыл бұрын

Mr. Felton, I am a veteran of the US Army’s 20th Infantry Regiment during OIF and OEF and would love to see you make a video of their exploits during WW2. They served in the Pacific theatre and it seems their sacrifices have been forgotten.

@EdMcF1 Жыл бұрын

I saw once a video of the Yeomen of the Tower, the Beefeaters, explaining to visitors to the Tower how you could tell the ex-RAF Beefeaters: He said that they were walking around holding hands...

@goldenknight007 Жыл бұрын

I hope our sibling across the pond never give up these traditions. Super cool and rich in history.

@tridentanimation2981 Жыл бұрын

This is an excellent idea for a series, I certainly hope to that you will make a video about each and every one of the royal bodyguard units for the British Monarchy.

@bryantblake1877 Жыл бұрын

Mark, the numbers of guard organizations and their duties mind boggling to us former colonials. Interesting to know that most members of the guards are serving soldiers! As usual, another informative video. 😊

@jhnshep Жыл бұрын

The Foot Guards regiments rotate through deployment, training, leave and palace duties with the addition of 2 rifles and the Gurkhas having had a turn in the last few years.

@sadaasdafa8635 Жыл бұрын

You would have seen quite a show of them during the Queen's Funeral! As Mark has shown already, we have the Yeoman Warders and the Yeoman of the Guard (both made up of UK ex-military veterans). We also have the Honourable Corp of Gentlemen-at-Arms (who are ex-military officers) and the Royal Company of Archers (the Scottish ceremonial guard, once traditionally made up of royalist aristocrats). These all make up the ceremonial group known as the Sovereign's Bodyguard. Then there's the serving military guards, so the Household Division, making up the 5 Footguards (the stereotypical King's Guards) and 2 Calvary Regiments. In practice, these are all serving Army regiments. Then there's the King's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force who are often invited to guard the Royal Palaces in place of the Household Division (although ceremonially, they guard the 'Colours', rather than the King himself). The Royal Marines, though not officially a guard unit, often represent the Royal Navy as the King/Queen's ceremonial guards as well. Finally, there's Royalty and Specialist Protection, who are not ceremonial at all but rather the police protection (and are the closest thing to literal bodyguards for the Royal Family).

@DavidFraser007 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Mark. There were very many interesting uniforms and costumes on display a few days ago in the city of London when the new monarch was proclaimed.

@jewishspacelaseroperator5410 Жыл бұрын

New Mark videos to help me pass the time while sick in bed are always more than welcome

@adamsteele6148 Жыл бұрын

Feel better soon

@WarStorieswithMarkFelton Жыл бұрын

Hope you recover soon!

@jewishspacelaseroperator5410 Жыл бұрын

@@WarStorieswithMarkFelton thank you so much!

@CocoaBeachLiving Жыл бұрын

I think what fascinates and gives me faith and respect in the UK is the fact that all ceremonial guards are true to their heritage, they are the active combat forces. This is how you do things.

@robertchubb1518 Жыл бұрын

Yet another great episode from Dr Felton...his channel just keeps giving...

@alanmoffat4454 Жыл бұрын

YES Dr KEEP INFORMING ALL THAT DONT UNDERSTAND HOW OLD THESE TRADITIONS ARE .

@combrogi Жыл бұрын

It was an old tradition to burn people at the stake, along with countless other traditions but luckily we came to our senses. Maybe it's time Britain woke up and stopped kissing the feet of the privileged rich.

@herseem Жыл бұрын

Your caps lock button seems to be on

@markadams7597 Жыл бұрын

"Spectacle" is correct. Thanks for trying to clear things up.

@jonmeek3879 Жыл бұрын

This is the type of story that can’t be found anywhere else

@saintuk70 Жыл бұрын

Can't wait for the Lifeguards :) Just incase, around 4:15 , James VI inherited the English throne... so from James VI of Scotland and I of England it was not just an English King. Of course with the Act of Union of Scotland, and Act of Union of England... in 1700's it became more "British"

@augustusimperator.avi1872 Жыл бұрын

As always, a great video Mr. Dr. Felton. I've noticed that the royal family, including the king, were dressed in RAF colours during the ceremonial procession to Westminster Hall, maybe you could, and I am asking this with the upmost humbleness, share some light on why the RAF and not another service, or civilian clothes. Many thanks Dr.

@WarStorieswithMarkFelton Жыл бұрын

King Charles holds honorary ranks in all three services, and is an Honorary Marshal of the Royal Air Force. I guess he could choose which of the services to represent. The other day, he wore the uniform of a British Army Field Marshal. I expect he will wear his Admiral of the Fleet uniform for the funeral on Monday. Regarding Prince William, his military service was mostly in the RAF, hence his uniform.

@archstanton6102 Жыл бұрын

The surprise is to see Prince Edward anywhere near a uniform, as he dropped out of training. I think Anne served in some capacity. Andrew certainly did.

@augustusimperator.avi1872 Жыл бұрын

@@WarStorieswithMarkFelton thanks a lot for your enlightening response.

@timf2279 Жыл бұрын

Although, most of the male senior royals served in some capacity, I think its a but pompous to wear these honorary uniforms.

@ohauss Жыл бұрын

@@timf2279 And I think it's a bit frivolous to talk about "pompous" when talking about the Head and Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces. Does "I swear by almighty God that I will be faithful, and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles III, his heirs and successors, and that I will as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend his Majesty, his heirs and successors in person, crown and dignity, against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, his heirs and successors and the generals and officers set over me." ring any bells?

@TRHARTAmericanArtist Жыл бұрын

Doc, you must admit that those "Beefeaters" do look pretty funny.

@Riceball01 Жыл бұрын

One bodyguard unit you missed, Dr. Felton, are the Royal Horse Aritleery. They wear Hussar looking uniforms and were the ones that dre the guin carriage carrying the casker of the late Queen during the procession that took her casket to lie in state at Westminster Abbey(?).

@Jasona1976 Жыл бұрын

Always learn something new here. Thanks Dr. Felton!

@nordicson2835 Жыл бұрын

Thank you ,l enjoy the rich history behind these regiments.

@markjames6669 Жыл бұрын

Superb bit of history . Having watched the queen’s funeral from beginning to end, this has shed some light on questions I had . Thanks for uploading.

@Hamsteak Жыл бұрын

Fascinating

@crisslastname9417 Жыл бұрын

British history-if your completely confused, then you've got it.🤣I love this stuff!

@UmvimvaniT Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Looking forward to them all!!

@danjarrett Жыл бұрын

Thanks for all Your hard work in sharing all this interesting Information with Us.

@dlmsarge8329 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark Felton!

@stephenhenion8304 Жыл бұрын

It's great to see History of the Past as it meets History of Today... Thanks again, Mark...🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸

@importantname Жыл бұрын

pomp and ceremony - some love it. Some find it quaint, and interesting hobby. We all need hobbies.

@fuyu5979 Жыл бұрын

Awesome upload. So much interesting n informative history of rhe Yeomans. Kudos

@spudskie3907 Жыл бұрын

2:06 It’s Captain Mainwaring from “Dad’s Army”!

@michaelmallal9101 3 ай бұрын

I vaguely remember seeing a UK army band in Singapore in the 1950's. I particularly remember the drummer, who wore a tiger skin on his breast under the drum and was a Gurkha.

@cornbread8246 Жыл бұрын

I hope Dr. Felton will explain how the Beefeaters acquired their name in the next part of this series.

@ryanchen4921 Жыл бұрын

this channel comes in so clutch

@c.f.sedgwick1885 Жыл бұрын

Feldman's videos are always interesting

@dennisud Жыл бұрын

Nice start, I can't wait for more!

@spannerpasser Жыл бұрын

The Scots Guards wore the red tunic and bearskin when on public duties at Edinburgh Castle when serving as the resident infantry battalion in Edinburgh. They also provided the Royal Guard at Balmoral when the resident battalion at Edinburgh. I was a REME vehicle mechanic attached to them in 1992 and provided mechanic cover at Balmoral.

@mitchmatthews6713 Жыл бұрын

I'm never disappointed with a Mark Felton video!

@dannycarter1966 Жыл бұрын

In the military documentary 'Carry On Up The Khyber' the regiment is documented in the programme as The Third Foot & Mouth. Could you explain what happened to this regiment? I'm assuming it got swallowed up by the RCT, The Scots Guards or similar. Thanks.

@DuinHark Жыл бұрын

Awesome content as always!

@mosads2986 Жыл бұрын

THANKS A MILLION DEAR SIR 😘 AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS 👍 🙏 ❤️

@thefattymcgee5801 Жыл бұрын

I love when u do British Military History.

@andre.westcoastbestcoast Жыл бұрын

I was wondering about this. Thanks for another good educational video Mark ! Cheers.

@hardnox6655 Жыл бұрын

Love this channel!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing your information Mark. As always, well done sir!

@Mark-yy2py Жыл бұрын

I look forward to your exceptional videos, Dr. Felton! Keep up the great work!

@dcole50 Жыл бұрын

Informative video, thank you very much.

@BiGDuke6Actual Жыл бұрын

REALLY looking forward to the next episode. PLEASE, Dr. Felton - please update the next episode in this series ASAP. And THANK YOU for posting the video about the Queen's Car collection - it's now archive/reference-material for my HRH collection. Very much enjoy watching the videos you post on your channel, Sir. Thank you.

@mongothedestroyer88 Жыл бұрын

Nice. Can't wait to see the next video in this series.

@antm2296 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the content Mark! If it was your area, I’d love you to do a video on the Close protection officers assigned the monarchy. Lately been watching King Charles’ bearded giant by his side be good to know some of the history of these officers!

@Nathan-ng1jt Жыл бұрын

Yay, more fascinating content!

@MatthewChenault Жыл бұрын

I’m a simple man: When someone mentions King James I, I like the video.

@jessicamilestone4026 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Mark. This video is really fascinating 🙂

@joycekeller8214 Жыл бұрын

T hank You for this very informative video! I always love the mounted regiments !

@hobartw9770 Жыл бұрын

I love fancy uniforms, very cool.

@markbenjamin1703 Жыл бұрын

2. Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms 3.Royal Company of Archers, The King's Bodyguard for Scotland Edit: forgot the Yeoman Warders of the Tower(damn thought I predicted the future episodes)

@markbenjamin1703 Жыл бұрын

Maybe a shout-out to the Royalty Protection Command Detectives?

@peterpluim7912 Жыл бұрын

I think not. The Yeoman of the Guard and Yeoman Warders of the Tower are two distinct entities. The Yeoman of the Guard have cross belts worn from the left shoulder when they wear scarlet red uniforms, the Yeoman Warders of the Tower have the same ceremonial uniform but without the crossed belt.

@DM-sp3zs Жыл бұрын

I was going to ask where were the Beefeaters. You answered right at the end. Looking forward to the next episode Professor Felton!

@TankerBricks Жыл бұрын

Mark. Thanks for providing my Thursday night entertainment!

@bashirmuhammad8181 Жыл бұрын

Nice one.I love the colours.And those horses strutting out in unison.

@christopherbraiden6713 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video Mark, very interesting and informative!!😎🇬🇧

@mrileeks Жыл бұрын

A WHOLE SERIES ON THE ROYAL BODYGUARDS *RUBS HANDS IN GLEE*

@semprelazio8864 Жыл бұрын

What about the Scots ones dressed in green Kings archers 🏹

@cvautos22 Жыл бұрын

Always watch this guys videos. Very informative, great channel.

@Jabberstax Жыл бұрын

Another excellent video 👍

@oneshotme Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

@MB5rider81 Жыл бұрын

Best channel on KZfaq

@potato8780 Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@fraserleeglover Жыл бұрын

Great content Mark

@01cthompson Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I was curious about this.

@MDR-hn2yz Жыл бұрын

This is great stuff.

@jf7243 Жыл бұрын

What fascinating content Dr Felton, I had never known the Yeomen of the Guard discovered the gunpowder plotters!

@onestepbeyond5221 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting.. an education at a sad time 🇬🇧✌

@nriab23 Жыл бұрын

This is so fascinating I had been wondering the the background of these guards. Thanks for the video

@channysmith83 9 ай бұрын

Very interesting thank you.

@loganmunding9926 Жыл бұрын

I watched ur channel for years ur awesome

@CompetentSalesUSA Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@ColinH1973 Жыл бұрын

The cloth of all of the Guards' scarlet tunics is made by a very old company in Yorkshire, and has been for many, many years.

@jeremym785 Жыл бұрын

Best channel on yt, thanks

@ProjectFlashlight612 Жыл бұрын

Fascinating look ar the royal arcana

@peterpluim7912 Жыл бұрын

Good timing,

@Perktube1 Жыл бұрын

Yes, please detail these uniformed guards and their history. Id like to know about the beefeaters. 😉

@wweminehead5458 Жыл бұрын

I do love a good story

@aurathedraak7909 Жыл бұрын

Awesome explanation. Now we know how confusing British guards are.

@ThePsihopatul Жыл бұрын

This is saved to my personal documentary video list. Very informative and interesting video. I also remember my late friend taking new to Windsor castle soon after I arrived to live in the country. I knew of royal guard and ghurkas, we were standing in perfect spot for them to honour Queen's residence "eyes right". I actually almost pissed myself knowing these soldiers. I was wearing military like outfit that day. My respects to the royal family and to the soldiers of UK

@archstanton6102 Жыл бұрын

Queen Elizabeth II has died? Wow, they kept that quiet. I thought it would have been mentioned on TV or in the newspapers.

@2011woodlands Жыл бұрын

I remember seeing a lot of Guards at the Tower in 1979, many of which were wearing WWII Campaign Medals, but they had a large burly Scotsman guarding the Crown Jewels.

@dac545j Жыл бұрын

I always pay strict attention to the safety of my own, as well.