Why are there ravens at the Tower of London?
Ravens live at the Tower of London because of a legend that says the kingdom will fall if the ravens ever leave. At least six ravens are kept there at all times, cared for by a Yeoman Warder called the Ravenmaster.
The exact origin of the legend is unknown. It is often linked to King Charles II in the 1600s, who is said to have ordered that the ravens be protected after being warned of disaster if they left.
Historians believe the legend may have developed in the Victorian era, when ravens were kept at the Tower.
Caring for the ravens
The Tower usually keeps at least seven ravens, one spare in addition to the six required. The Ravenmaster feeds them meat, biscuits soaked in blood and other treats.
The ravens' flight feathers are trimmed to stop them flying too far, though they can still move around the Tower grounds.
Each raven has a name and a personality. Some have been known to steal food from visitors. Ravens are intelligent birds and can live for many years. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when there were no visitors, the ravens reportedly wandered further around the Tower.