2 Beefeaters fired for bullying female

November 26, 2009|Associated Press

LONDON - Two ceremonial guards at the historic Tower of London, known as Beefeaters, were fired yesterday after an internal investigation found they harassed their first and only female colleague.

The Tower of London said it conducted a thorough investigation after allegations arose that Moira Cameron - the first female yeoman warder at the popular tourist attraction that is home to Britain’s Crown Jewels - was a victim of a bullying campaign by her colleagues.

“In light of the evidence that emerged, the investigation concluded that the allegations had foundation and that disciplinary action was appropriate,’’ the Tower said in a statement.

It said two yeoman warders had been dismissed, but the case against a third guard was not proven and the charges were dropped.

Tower spokeswoman Ruth Howlett said Cameron’s entry in the online encyclopedia known as Wikipedia had been defaced as part of the campaign against her.

“We believe everyone is entitled to work in an environment free from any form of harassment,’’ the Tower said. “We expect all our staff to value . . . our commitment to diversity.’’

Cameron, 44, who remains on active duty, was the first woman selected to join the all-male ranks of the Tower’s yeoman warders two years ago.

The guards -all former military personnel - are popularly known as Beefeaters because of the extra rations of meat they were given during medieval times.