The Beadles

The life and soul of the Arcade

Since 1819, London�'s Burlington Arcade has been protected by the Beadles – liveried guards wearing traditional Edwardian frock coats and gold braided top hats now synonymous with its heritage. Originally recruited by Lord Cavendish from his family regiment the 10th Hussars, they enforced his stipulated code of behaviour in the Arcade. There was to be no whistling, singing, playing of musical instruments, running, carrying of large parcels or opening of umbrellas and no babies’ prams.

Today, these rules in the main still apply and the Beadles – the smallest private police force in existence – continue to patrol the Arcade and uphold these regulations with the full power to eject any visitor daring to contravene them.

The current Head Beadle was appointed in June 2002 and is responsible for not only the protection of this historic landmark but upholding the tradition of past Beadles. The Arcade is host to three additional Beadles - each of whom have picked up the tricks of the trade by learning from the Beadle before them.

The Beadles are the life and soul of the Arcade – feel free to stop them and test their knowledge of London as you wander through!