The Tower of London, a historic fortress and royal palace, is home to a group of Common Ravens (Corvus corax). These iconic birds have been a part of the Tower’s history for centuries, with a legend stating that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall. Currently, nine ravens reside at the Tower, exceeding the minimum requirement of six. These birds are carefully maintained by a dedicated Ravenmaster, who ensures their health, diet, and habitat needs are met.
What Is the Historical Significance of the Tower Ravens?
How Did the Raven Legend Begin?
The legend of the Tower ravens dates back to the reign of King Charles II in the 17th century. According to the tale, the king’s royal astronomer, John Flamsteed, complained that the ravens were interfering with his observations. However, when Charles II was warned that the kingdom would fall if the ravens left the Tower, he decided to keep them. This decision established the tradition of maintaining at least six ravens at the Tower, a practice that continues to this day.
What Role Did the Ravens Play During World War II?
During World War II, the Tower of London and its ravens faced significant challenges:
- Most of the ravens perished during bombing raids
- Only one raven, named Grip, survived the war
- After the war, new ravens were introduced to repopulate the Tower
- A successful breeding program was established in 1987
How Are the Tower Ravens Cared For?
What Do the Tower Ravens Eat?
The Tower ravens enjoy a varied and nutritious diet:
- 6oz of raw meat daily
- Bird formula biscuits soaked in blood
- One egg per week
- Occasional whole rabbits (providing beneficial fur)
- Scraps from the Tower’s mess kitchen, especially fried bread
Where Do the Ravens Live Within the Tower?
The ravens’ habitat is carefully designed to ensure their comfort and safety:
- Located next to the Wakefield Tower
- Secure lodgings to protect them from predators and harsh weather
- One wing is clipped to prevent them from flying away (a harmless practice)
Who Is Responsible for the Ravens’ Care?
The Ravenmaster, a specialized Yeoman Warder (Beefeater), is responsible for the ravens’ well-being:
- Oversees daily feeding and care routines
- Monitors the ravens’ health
- Interacts with visitors to educate them about the ravens and their legend
- Ensures the safety and security of the ravens within the Tower grounds
What Are Some Interesting Facts About the Tower Ravens?
- Current Population: Nine ravens reside at the Tower, exceeding the legendary minimum of six.
- Life Expectancy: Tower ravens can live up to 44 years in captivity.
- Oldest Recorded Raven: Jim Crow holds the record for the longest-lived Tower raven.
- Breeding Program: Established in 1987 to maintain the raven population.
- Escapes: Occasionally, ravens have escaped, such as Grog in 1981.
- Predator Attack: In 2013, an urban fox killed two ravens within the Tower grounds.
How Do the Ravens Interact with Visitors?
The Tower ravens have become a popular attraction for visitors:
- Visitors can observe the ravens in their habitat
- The Ravenmaster provides educational talks about the ravens
- Strict rules prohibit visitors from feeding the ravens to maintain their health
- The ravens’ presence adds to the mystique and historical atmosphere of the Tower
What Measures Are Taken to Protect the Ravens?
To ensure the safety and well-being of the Tower ravens, several measures are in place:
- Wing Clipping: One wing is carefully clipped to prevent long-distance flight.
- Secure Habitat: The ravens’ lodgings are designed to protect them from predators and harsh weather.
- Controlled Diet: A carefully planned diet is maintained to ensure optimal health.
- Regular Health Checks: The Ravenmaster monitors the ravens’ health closely.
- Visitor Regulations: Strict rules prevent visitors from interfering with or feeding the ravens.
The Tower of London’s ravens continue to captivate visitors and uphold centuries-old traditions. Their presence not only adds to the rich history of the Tower but also serves as a living connection to the legends and lore that surround this iconic British landmark.
References:
– https://www.getours.com/expert-travel-advice/history-traditions-celebrations/the-ravens-of-the-tower-of-london
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravens_of_the_Tower_of_London
– https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Tower-Ravens/