Basil the “Beefeater” is Yeoman of the Guards at the Crown & Anchor Pub on Franklin.

The Yeoman of the Guards or Beefeater is now a ceremonial function at The Tower of London. When the Guards first originated in 1485 by Henry VII, its members had numerous duties as defenders of the King’s person and household, until 1743 (the last time a British Monarch appeared on the battlefield). They accompanied the King in battle.

Opinions vary as to why they were called “Beefeaters.” But the most likely explanation is quite literal: in the 17th century a “Beef-eater” was a derogatory term for a servant who was too well fed (by no means a certainty in those days).

Basil the Beefeater has been guarding the Crown & Anchor for the past 10 years and is loved by the locals. Visitors can be seen standing next to him being photographed as a lasting memory of their visit to Monterey.

Moves are afoot to ship him back to The Tower. “Should he go or should he stay? We think he’s part of Monterey!”

When Basil first joined the Beefeaters, a drill sergeant was chewing him out. “Tell me, stupid, if I shot one of your ears off, what would happen?”

Basil said, “Well, Sir, I would be partially deaf.”

“And if I shot both of your ears off, what would happen?”

“Well, Sir, I would not be able to see.”

“Don’t be stupid, why would you not be able to see?”

“Well, Sir, if both my ears were shot off, my helmet would fall down over my eyes!”