The Tower of London will soon have its first female Yeoman Warder.

The historic British fortress has hired a woman to join the men who patrol its royal walls. Since 1485, only men have guarded the fortress.

New Yeoman Warder recruits stand in front of the White Tower at the Tower of London in this 1996 photo.
(Jacqueline Arzt/Associated Press)

Natasha Woollard, spokeswoman for the Tower, said the newest warder is a member of the British armed forces and she will start her job at the end of summer.

The warders, distinctive in their red and gold ceremonial uniforms, are known as the Beefeaters because of the daily ration of meat given to them in medieval times.

"There were six candidates for the vacancy, and she was the only female," Woollard said. "She was awarded the job on merit — she will replace one who is retiring."

The Tower, an imposing collection of buildings on the banks of the River Thames, has 35 warders, all of them soldiers. The name of its first female warder has not been released to the public.
  
The warders are called the Extraordinary Members of the Queen's Bodyguard, according to the Tower's official website.

Early in the Tower's history, the warders guarded the gates and famous prisoners of the fortress. These days, the warders give tours and guide visitors. They are also required to attend special events, including coronations, parades and funerals.

The warders also take care of the six ravens that, according to legend, must continue to live in the fortress, otherwise the Tower and the Kingdom of England will fall. The wings of the ravens are clipped to ensure they do not fly away and one of the warders is given the title of Ravenmaster.

The Tower, visited by more than two million people a year, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. Initially, it served as a fortress, royal palace and prison, but has also been a place where prisoners were executed. It has also been an amoury, a zoo and a mint.

Now a well-known tourist attraction, it is also the home of Britain's Crown Jewels. The national treasures include St. Edward's Crown, which was worn by the Queen during her coronation in 1953.

To qualify for the job of Beefeater, candidates are required to have served for at least 22 years in the British armed forces and their record of service is required to be honourable.

The Historic Royal Palaces, a charitable trust, now manages the Tower.

With files from the Associated Press