A BEEFEATER was shocked to get an estate agent’s letter asking if he’d consider selling the Tower of London. Yeoman Warder Spike Abbott, 59, saw the funny side when Foxtons told him it was “valuing property in your area”. In a mail drop addressed to “the legal owner”, the firm offered a “professional opinion of […]
A BEEFEATER was shocked to get an estate agent’s letter asking if he’d consider selling the Tower of London.
Yeoman Warder Spike Abbott, 59, saw the funny side when Foxtons told him it was “valuing property in your area”.
In a mail drop addressed to “the legal owner”, the firm offered a “professional opinion of the sales or rental value in the current market” with “no strings attached”.
Spike is a former RAF serviceman who swapped his wings for the red Tudor uniform when he started working at the Tower six years ago.
He joined 36 other Yeoman Warders — all retired from the Armed Forces with the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal — living within the grounds next to the River Thames.
He shares his two-bed flat with wife Lisa, 57.
After getting the flyer from Foxtons’ Wapping branch in East London, he tweeted: “Thanks for the very kind offer @foxtons to sell or rent out the 12th century property that HM Tower of London provide me with, however, I think it may raise a few eyebrows when your sign appears outside my house.”
People found the post hilarious. One tweeted: “Best marketing Foxtons has done in ages!”
Another said: “They need to see the block (and the axe that goes with it).”
One joker then added: “Get them round for a valuation.”
And one wag commented: “Sign up for conservatory and double-glazing quotes right now.” Someone asked: “But has it got planning permission for an extension and off-road parking?”
Spike, who used to live in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, served for 35 years in the RAF before becoming a custodian of the Tower in 2015.
He and his fellow Yeoman Warders’ ancient predecessors guarded its gates, royal prisoners and the Crown Jewels.
Now the job involves showing tourists around the 12 acres of prime central London real estate.
Any buyer could look forward to strolling in the private gardens and enjoying the 21 towers, including the White Tower — the world’s most famous castle keep.
But they might find it hard to relax in some of the sleeping accommodation — such as the Bloody Tower, where 12-year-old Edward V and his younger brother Richard were murdered in 1483.
There is river access via the Traitor’s Gate. Although a full damp survey would be a good idea.
It has cutting edge technology — an executioner’s chopping block inside the armoury.
But the energy rating is unknown and it’s unlikely to be suitable for cavity wall insulation.
When Spike first moved in, he said: “I’m living in a two-bedroom flat in a converted hospital block with all the other Beefeaters.
“It’s got a village feel. We even have our own pub, the Yeoman’s Club.”
