Beefeater original pen and ink and watercolour illustration by Rosie Brooks

"Beefeater" is a term commonly used to refer to the Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London. The Yeomen Warders are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London, and they are responsible for conducting tours, looking after the Crown Jewels, and performing other duties related to the Tower's history and traditions. The origins of the name "Beefeater" are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century as a reference to the Yeomen's privileged position, which included a daily ration of beef from the royal kitchens. Today, the Yeomen Warders still wear distinctive red and gold uniforms and are a popular tourist attraction at the Tower of London.

"Yeomen of the Guard" is a comic opera by the famous Victorian-era duo, Gilbert and Sullivan. It premiered in 1888 and tells the story of the Yeomen of the Guard, a group of royal bodyguards in the 16th century. The plot revolves around the complicated love affairs of the protagonists, including Colonel Fairfax, who has been wrongly accused of sorcery and is due to be executed by the Yeomen.

The opera is known for its dramatic and emotional moments, as well as its witty dialogue and memorable musical numbers. One of the most famous songs from "Yeomen of the Guard" is "I have a Song to Sing, O!", a lively and catchy tune that has become a staple of Gilbert and Sullivan revivals. The opera is considered one of Gilbert and Sullivan's more serious works, with a greater emphasis on plot and character development than some of their other operas.