Ravens of the Tower of London: Guardians of a Royal Legend
Ravens of the Tower of London: Guardians of a Royal Legend
The Ravens of the Tower of London are more than just birds—they are living legends, part of British history, myth, and monarchy. These intelligent, jet-black birds have lived at the Tower for centuries, serving not only as symbols of power and mystery but also as key figures in one of Britain’s most enduring superstitions.
🏰 The Legend
According to long-standing folklore, “If the ravens leave the Tower, the Kingdom will fall.” This myth has ensured that a group of ravens is always kept at the Tower of London, a historic fortress by the River Thames. The belief is so strong that even King Charles II ordered that the ravens be protected when he was told of the prophecy.
🐦 Who Are the Tower Ravens?
The Tower keeps at least six ravens at all times—but usually more, just in case! These birds are cared for by a Yeoman Warder known as the Ravenmaster, a unique and prestigious role within the Tower’s ceremonial staff.
Each raven has:
- A name (like Jubilee, Erin, or Branwen)
- A colored band to identify them
- Their wing feathers clipped slightly to prevent full flight and accidental escape
📜 A Historic Tradition
- Ravens were first officially noted at the Tower during Charles II’s reign in the 17th century.
- The myth may have older origins, possibly tied to Celtic symbolism or Norse mythology, where ravens were associated with prophecy and protection.
- The Royal Observatory at the Tower was reportedly moved to Greenwich in the 1600s because of the birds!
🧠 Clever Creatures
Ravens are part of the corvid family, known for their exceptional intelligence. The Tower ravens:
- Play games and recognize faces
- Use tools and solve puzzles
- Mimic sounds, including human speech
- Form strong social bonds with their keepers
👑 Modern-Day Royal Birds
Today, the ravens are:
- Cared for daily with a diet of raw meat, eggs, biscuits soaked in blood, and the occasional treat
- Official residents, each with a unique personality and a role in the Tower’s atmosphere
- Often seen wandering freely, but they return each night to their sleeping quarters known as the “Ravenry”
Some famous ravens have:
- Escaped (like Grog in the 1980s, who joined a local pub)
- Been dismissed for “bad behavior” (like George, removed for attacking TV antennas)
- Lived long lives—some over 20 years
⚠️ Ravens and the Crown
To this day, the British government ensures the tradition continues. During WWII, only one raven survived the Blitz, but the tradition was quickly restored. The presence of these birds remains a comforting sign that “all is well” with the monarchy.
🪶 Fascinating Facts
- A group of ravens is called an “unkindness” or a “conspiracy”
- Ravens can fly up to 25 miles per hour and mimic over 100 different sounds
- Each raven has its own care plan, including medical checkups and treats
They are so iconic that they even feature in Tower of London souvenirs and merchandise
