Beefeaters "harassed" lone female Tower guard

By Kylie MacLellan

LONDON (Reuters) - Two guardians of Britain's historic Tower of London have been suspended after a female colleague, the first woman warden in their 524-year history, accused them of harassment.

The Tower's 34 Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters -- whose ceremonial dress is a distinctive scarlet and gold tunic, white ruff, red stockings and black patent shoes -- appointed Moira Cameron to their ranks in 2007.

Cameron, 44, who beat five men to secure the coveted position, has had her uniform defaced and nasty notes left in her locker, newspapers reported, while one suspect has been cautioned by police for defacing Cameron's entry in the online encyclopedia Wikipedia.

"We can confirm that three Yeoman Warders are under investigation in response to allegations of harassment; two have been suspended," the Tower of London said in a statement.

Scotland Yard said a 56-year-old man had been cautioned over the matter last month under the Communications Act.

"The matter related to inappropriate use of the Internet," a spokesman added.

Beefeaters, believed to have earned their nickname from their daily ration of meat, date from 1485 when King Henry VII formed a bodyguard.

To be eligible to join their ranks, candidates must have a minimum of 22 years' service in Britain's armed forces and have earned medals for long service and good conduct.