Warders Collection

Wandsworth Prison, south west London
A galleried wing of Wandsworth Prison in south west London. Two warders inspect the cells

Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London on parade outside the keep of the White Tower. Uniform has remained unchanged since the reign of Edward VI

Beefeaters, Tower of London, Victorian period

Castle Warders of the Royal fort of Hillsborough
Castle Warders of the Royal Fort of Hillsborough - a view of three warders outside a door. (Location: Northern Ireland; County Down; Hillsborough). Date: circa early 1900s

Yeoman Warders of the Tower on their way to Easter service at St. Peter ad Vincula Chapel in the Tower of London after their annual inspection by the governor of the Tower. Date: 1936

Castle Warders, Hillsborough Castle - a view of three warders outside, beside a gate. (Location: Northern Ireland; County Down; Hillsborough). Date: circa early 1900s

Tower of London Warders, London, Victorian period

Yeoman of the Guard at Tower of London. Date: late 1890s

A Yeoman of the Guard on duty at the Tower of London Date: circa 1870

"He played at piquet with the warders"(engraving)
5995168 " He played at piquet with the warders" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Mat-room at Coldbath Fields Prison, illustration from
STC386231 Mat-room at Coldbath Fields Prison, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

Interior of the House of Detention, Clerkenwell, illustration from
STC386221 Interior of the House of Detention, Clerkenwell, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

The chapel at Brixton, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London
STC386213 The chapel at Brixton, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

The convicts returning to the hulks from their labour in the Arsenal
STC386212 The convicts returning to the hulks from their labour in the Arsenal, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

Chief Warder at the Pentonville Prison and Principal Matron at the Female Convict Prison
STC386201 Chief Warder at the Pentonville Prison and Principal Matron at the Female Convict Prison, Brixton, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London

The chapel, on the separate system, in Pentonville Prison
STC386200 The chapel, on the separate system, in Pentonville Prison, during divine service, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew

Dormitory at Coldbath Fields Prison, illustration from
STC386219 Dormitory at Coldbath Fields Prison, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

New Caledonia, Isle of Nou, housing of the military warders
661455 New Caledonia, Isle of Nou, housing of the military warders, from La Depeche Coloniale, 1903 (b/w photo) by French Photographer

Warders discovering the hidden Rat (engraving)
2792681 Warders discovering the hidden Rat (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Warders discovering the hidden Rat. Illustration for Chatterbox (1886)

Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London
Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters) at the Tower of London. Date: circa 1950s

Prison van taking up prisoners at the House of Detention
STC386222 Prison van taking up prisoners at the House of Detention, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

Top deck of the Unite hospital ship, attached to the hulks at Woolwich
STC386215 Top deck of the Unite hospital ship, attached to the hulks at Woolwich, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

New Caledonia, Isle of Nou, the prison, c. 1871-80 (engraving) (b / w photo)
661457 New Caledonia, Isle of Nou, the prison, c.1871-80 (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Nouvelle Caledonie, ile de Nou)

Sectional view of the interior of the Defence hulk
STC386210 Sectional view of the interior of the Defence hulk, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

Sketches of "Coercion", the Prison Life of an Irish MP (engraving)
1595439 Sketches of " Coercion", the Prison Life of an Irish MP (engraving) by Paget, Walter (1863-1935); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches of " Coercion")

The tread-wheel fan, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London
STC386232 The tread-wheel fan, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

Liberation of prisoners from Coldbath Fields House of Correction
STC386228 Liberation of prisoners from Coldbath Fields House of Correction, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

Boys exercising at Tothill Fields Prison, illustration from
STC386227 Boys exercising at Tothill Fields Prison, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

The workshop under the Silent System at Millbank Prison
STC386202 The workshop under the Silent System at Millbank Prison, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

Warders of the Guard (b / w photo)
2803232 Warders of the Guard (b/w photo) by English photographer, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Warders of the Guard. Illustration for Pictorial London (Cassell, c 1905)

New Caledonia, Isle of Nou, House of Detention, from La Depeche Coloniale
661452 New Caledonia, Isle of Nou, House of Detention, from La Depeche Coloniale, 1903 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Nouvelle Caledonie)

Large Oakum-room (under the Silent System) at the Middlesex House of Correction
STC386218 Large Oakum-room (under the Silent System) at the Middlesex House of Correction, Coldbath Fields, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London

A ward on board the Defence hulk arranged for the return of the convicts to
STC386206 A ward on board the Defence hulk arranged for the return of the convicts to dinner, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew

The convict chapel on board the Defence hulk at Woolwich
STC386205 The convict chapel on board the Defence hulk at Woolwich, illustration from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes from Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, pub

Over 5000 people an hour passed through Westminster Hall to pay their tributes to the late King George VI during his ceremonial lying-in-state with Officers of the Life Guards of the Husehold Cavaly

Amateur theatrical Company presenting a historical review
A (sadly unnamed) Amateur theatrical Company presenting a historical review, operetta or pageant - the characters/roles represented include a medieval jester, an executioner

In Carrickfergus Gaol - an interior view of the jail, down a corridor to two warders. (Location: Northern Ireland; County Antrim; Carrickfergus). Date: circa early 1900s

The Festival of Britain - Dedication service at St. Paul s
The Festival of Britain - Dedication service at St. Pauls - arriavl of the King and the Queen and the two Princesses - May 3rd, 1951. Date: 1951

Yeomen of the Guard 1888
Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London. Date: 1888

Convicts delivering meals to prison cells
Uniformed warders supervise convicts delivering food cans and bread to the cells at an unnamed London prison

Yeoman Warders of the Tower - London
The Yeomen Warders of Her Majestys Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London - commonly known as Beefeaters

Dartmoor Warders 1910
Group photograph of warders at Dartmoor Prison, outside the front entrance. We trust the inmates were safely under lock and key at the time

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Warders: Guardians of History and Order From Wandsworth Prison in south west London to the iconic Tower of London, they have long stood as sentinels of justice and tradition. The Yeoman Warders of the Tower, known affectionately as Beefeaters, are perhaps the most renowned among them. As dawn breaks on Easter morning, a solemn procession begins its journey through the ancient cobblestone streets. The Yeoman Warders of the Tower make their way to St. Peter ad Vincula chapel for a sacred service, carrying with them centuries of history and duty. Not far away, Castle Warders stand tall within the fortified walls of Hillsborough Castle. These guardians protect not only a regal residence but also safeguard Northern Ireland's rich heritage. In another era, during Victorian times, both Beefeaters and Tower of London Warders patrolled diligently within the formidable fortress that is now an emblematic landmark. Clad in their distinctive uniforms adorned with ruffs and ceremonial axes, they commanded respect from all who crossed their path. A glimpse into history reveals a snapshot from late 1890s - a Yeoman of the Guard stands resolute at his post within the Tower's confines. His presence evokes memories dating back even further to circa 1870 when another dedicated warder ensured order amidst turbulent times. Beyond these famous strongholds lies Carrickfergus Gaol where incarcerated souls found solace in unexpected ways. Engraved forever in memory is an image depicting camaraderie between prisoners and wardens - "He played at piquet with the warders" - reminding us that humanity can flourish even behind bars. Through time immemorial, whether enforcing discipline or providing comfort within prison walls or royal castles alike, they have been steadfast custodians upholding law and preserving our shared stories. Their unwavering dedication echoes across generations as they continue to serve as guardians of history and order.