London ? Crown Jewels. Suits of armor. Lots of tourists.

They’re all staples at the Tower of London. Now you can add female Yeoman Warders to the list. Since 1485 the group has only included men, who patrol the parapets and passages of the royal fortress on the banks of the Thames.

But the Tower is about to break with tradition, with officials saying Wednesday they are in the process of hiring the first female Yeoman Warder.

The woman has not yet been identified, said spokeswoman Natasha Woollard. However, it is known she is currently serving in Britain’s armed forces – all warders are also soldiers – and will join the fortress’ 35 other warders at the end of the summer.

“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 role was initially to provide security for the Tower and to guard its famous captives. They now spend most of their days guiding visitors and posing patiently for snapshots. They also attend coronations, funerals and charity functions.

Warders were given the name Beefeaters because of the rations of meat they were given during medieval times.