An amazing PRIVILEGE

Emma Rousell is one of five women currently serving as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London

- KATE CHAPMAN

It’s one of the capital's most iconic buildings and, thanks to her job as a Yeoman Warder, Emma Rousell is thrilled she gets to call the Tower of London her home. Emma, 56, took up her role as one of the historic landmark’s ceremonial guards in September 2021, where her duties combine tradition, security responsibilities and interacting with the public. ‘It's such a phenomenal place.

When I applied for the role, I never expected to get it,’ says Emma, who was the first female warder appointed from the RAF. ‘There are more than 1,000 years of history here, and I’m living in it – it’s such a privilege to see it from my window every day.’

Emma, who had ambitions of becoming a college lecturer in catering and food technology, joined the RAF as a chef and had initially only intended to stay in the job for nine years. However, life had other plans, and she carved out a successful career that took her all over the world, including deployments to the Falkland Islands, plus stints in Cyprus, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Italy.

She gained her PGCE during her 32 years of service and raised her two sons, now 23 and 28, before moving into a more desk-based role. As she approached her retirement, Emma was looking for a new job when a friend suggested the Tower of London, which was advertising posts.

Meeting the criteria – warders must have a minimum of 22 years’ service in the armed forces, hold the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and be a former warrant officer or most senior non-commissioned officer – Emma applied. And to her delight, she was successful.