Albert Del Mastro, age 16, of Freeport, Ill., for his question:

WHY IS THE ENGLISH GUARD CALLED A BEEFEATER?

Years ago, the colorful Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London in England were nicknamed “beefeaters.” This name probably started back in Tudor days when servants ate their masters’ beef in large quantities.

The Yeoman of the Guard form a bodyguard to the king or queen of Great Britain. King Henry VII first organized this group in 1485.

Both the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London and the Yeomen of the Guard received the “beefeater” name and both were dressed in the colorful uniforms modeled after those of the Elizabethan period.

Today the Yeoman still serve as royal bodyguards on formal occasions. The officers wear contemporary uniforms, but the men wear the colorful costumes and carry weapons that date back to the Tudor period. Their tunics are red and have blue and gold facing, and they wear red knee breeches and flat topped hats.

An appointment to the Yeoman of the Guard is honorary. Officers and enlisted men for the Guard are chosen from Great Britain’s regular armed forces.