Edward Watson (95), became a Yeoman Warder here at the Tower on the 20th April 1873 (aged 58), replacing Peter Ramage (25), until his death on the 30th September 1896, he was replaced by William Henderson (140).

Edward was born 1823, in Ashby-dela- Zouch, Leicestershire. He enlisted into the 7th (The Princess Royal’s) Regiment Of Dragoon Guards on the 23 February 1844 (aged 21, 7 Months).

On the 1 July 1844he transferred to the 16th Lancers, then on the 1st October 1849 he transferred back to the 7th (The Princess Royal’s) Regiment Of Dragoon Guards, and promoted to Sergeant.

In 1851 he was stationed in Newbridge, Ireland, then in July 1852 he was appointed Troop Sergeant Major (Trooper Sergeant Major a rank introduced in 1813, but as The Squadron became the the main tactical and administrative division, it was superseded, by the Rank of Squadron Sergeant Major or Warrent Officer Class II).  In 1861 he was stationed in Sialcote, Punjab, East Indies.

On the 18 May 1864 Edward became thew Provost Sergeant Major at the Cavalry Depot, Canterbury.  Edward was discharged on the 25 August 1868 in Colchester, and became a Yeoman Warder replacing Ramage (25), in 20th April 1873.

He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM, with a £10 annuity in 1868).

The photograph of 1893 shows him wearing the LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT & the MSM. This is most unusual as he should have surrendered the first on being awarded the MSM.  However, it is known that some MSM recipients retained the LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT on payment of 7/6d.  His MSM (only) is in the Halifax Town Museum Collection, only the third MSM to the Regiment and one of only five issued to them in Victoria’s reign.

He lived in No. 8 The Parade, now known as Tower Green with his wife Anne, born 1823, Ashby-dela- Zouch, Leicestershire.  Then in 1891 he was still livingin No. 8 with his second wife Alice Elizabeth, aged 44, and born at St. James’s parish Westminster.

Edward died in No.8 Tower Green 30 September 1896, and was replaced by William Henderson (140).