The Tower of London: Raven Roost or Raven Revolving Door?
Ah, the Tower of London. Ste steeped in history, suits of armor gleaming, and... ravens? Yep, those croaky characters have been a fixture at the Tower for centuries, adding a touch of the gothic to this grand ol' fortress. But just how many ravens haunt the halls (or, more likely, squawk around the battlements)? Buckle up, history and raven enthusiasts, because we're about to unravel this feathery mystery.
Six? Seven? Or a Murder Mostfowl?
Legend has it that the Crown Jewels and the entire kingdom are safe as long as at least six ravens reside at the Tower. Six! That's the magic number, folks. But here's the thing: ravens are intelligent birds, and like any self-respecting teenager, they dream of freedom. So, to keep the legend alive and the ravens content, the Tower actually keeps seven feathered fiends on hand. Think of it as a fluffy insurance policy.
Raven Shenanigans: A History of Beak and Squawk
Throughout history, these ravens have provided endless entertainment (and possibly a few headaches) for the Beefeaters (those ceremonial guards you see stomping around). There's the tale of Grip, a raven who, in the 1980s, took a particular liking to stealing shiny objects from tourists. Another raven, presumably with a gambling streak, once snatched a £5 note from a visitor and used it in a (presumably unsuccessful) attempt to win a game of Blackjack with a Beefeater! These ravens, it seems, are a right cheeky bunch.
Fun Fact: Never Mess with a Ravenmaster!
The ravens are cared for by a dedicated Ravenmaster, a Beefeater entrusted with the very important task of keeping these feathered friends happy and healthy. It's a prestigious position, folks. You don't just get to be a Ravenmaster because you can handle a bit of birdseed.
How To FAQs:
- How to become a Ravenmaster? Sorry, chum, that's a closely guarded secret (and probably involves years of loyal Beefeater service).
- How to befriend a Tower raven? We wouldn't recommend it. These ravens are well looked after and might be a tad suspicious of strangers bearing gifts.
- How to tell the ravens apart? Each raven has a unique leg band, so the Ravenmaster can keep track of his feathery crew.
- How much does it cost to feed a raven? Less than it costs to feed a Beefeater, that's for sure! Ravens are actually quite frugal eaters.
- How to stop a raven from stealing your valuables? Distraction with a shiny object (other than money) might work, but we can't guarantee results.
