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Moulton Seas End sisters Lylah Britton and Lola Woodman are proud of their Yeoman of the Guard grandfather William




Two sisters are thrilled to be re-igniting memories of their great-grandfather, who served in the Yeomen of the Guard.

Moulton Seas End residents Lylah Britton and Lola Woodman have been showcasing various items which document the history of William Gwynne Woodman.

Born in the London area in 1875, he enlisted in the West Yorkshire Regiment for 26 years - before being sworn in as a Yeoman in July 1922.

Lylah Britton and sister Lola Woodman keeping the memory of their great grandfather, a Yoeman, alive
Lylah Britton and sister Lola Woodman keeping the memory of their great grandfather, a Yoeman, alive

He served in that role for 38 years, up until the year before he died in 1960 aged 85.

The modern day Yeomen of the Guard have a solely ceremonial role, but historically provided protection for whichever monarch sat on the throne at the time.

Mr Woodman attended important events such as Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and wedding - and Lylah and Lola are immensely proud to call him their family.

“The Royal Family, I think, is something that we need to be proud of. It’s not something every country has the privilege of having,” Lylah (47) said. “As much as they can be mocked by a lot of people, they can do a lot of good. It’s the fact that we had such a close family relative that felt that strongly about the Royal Family that he served with them for 38 years. He believed in what he did and he believed in the institution.”

The sisters took a selection of Mr Woodman’s most prized possessions along to a Jubilee celebration in Moulton Seas End earlier this month.

They included war medals, photographs and letters from the Queen herself.

Lylah and Lola’s father and grandfather have passed them down over the years.

Towards the end of his career, Mr Woodman’s main duties included being in charge of all other Yeomen and making sure their traditional red and gold uniforms were in good shape. “I’m more than happy to show these pieces off,” Lylah added.

“I’m very proud of what he did, what he achieved and the direction he took his life.

“He gave up his life for King and country, and went on to do the same for the Queen. I’d be very proud to pass on to others the kind of man that he was.”



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