Yeomen Warders
The opera actually concerns [[Yeomen Warders]], who are guardians of the [[Tower of London]] (and the [[Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom|crown jewels]]) and are selected for this position as a reward for long and meritorious service to the crown. Today, they act as tour guides at the Tower of London. The Yeomen Warders are often incorrectly referred to as [[Yeomen of the Guard]], which is actually a distinct corps of royal bodyguards. Gilbert shared this confusion (or didn't care to be precise in the matter) by naming the opera "The Yeomen of the Guard". However, Gilbert and Sullivan were careful to replicate the historical Tower as closely as possible in the opera's settings, costumes and music. For instance, during the Act I finale, the bell of St. Peter's tolls for the coming execution as was the custom at the time.