Bullying case roils Tower of London

At issue is the alleged bullying of a contemporary trailblazer: Moira Cameron, the first woman to serve as yeoman warder at the Tower, which dates to the 11th century.

Hers was supposed to be a story about how one of the traditional bastions of male supremacy became a place where women, too, could serve queen and country. But it now appears Cameron, 44, was isolated and harassed by resentful male colleagues, despite her long experience in the military.

Embarrassed Tower officials said yesterday that two male warders have been suspended and a third is under investigation, suspected of harassing Cameron, who joined the prestigious warders two years ago, integrating what had been an all-male preserve for centuries.

A statement released by the Tower of London said harassment among its staff was “totally unacceptable’’ and an internal investigation was started last week as soon as the allegations were received.

The bullying allegations are an unpleasant wrinkle in what had been a generally popular move to bring women into traditionally male military roles. Cameron has had military experience in both Cyprus and Northern Ireland.

The warders, who patrol the fortress on the banks of the River Thames, are popularly known as Beefeaters, because of the extra rations of meat they were given during medieval times. Their brightly colored Tudor-style uniforms are part of the picture-postcard London that often enchants visitors from around the world.