Caw blimey! The Tower of London's Raven Rumours: Fact or Feathery Fiction?
Those who've visited the Tower of London might have noticed its resident murder (collective noun for a group of ravens, you're welcome) of ravens strutting around like they own the place. Well, according to a well-known legend, they kind of do. Let's dive into the caw-ses behind this quirky myth.
The Raven Supremacy: Tower Guardians with a Side of Superstition
The legend goes like this: six ravens must ALWAYS be present at the Tower of London. Not a feather less! Why? Because if these feathered fiends ever decide to fly the coop, well, buckle up, because all sorts of misfortune is supposed to befall merry ol' England. We're talking the Tower crumbling to dust, the monarchy falling faster than a rogue scone, and possibly even a national shortage of crumpets (the horror!).
A Legend with Questionable Origins: More Victorian Fancy Than Ancient Fact?
Now, the truth is, this legend isn't exactly as old as the Tower itself. While ravens have undoubtedly haunted the Tower grounds for centuries (probably drawn by the promise of leftover scraps and shiny trinkets to pilfer), the first written mention of this particular myth only pops up in the late 19th century. That has some historians cawing that it's more likely a Victorian invention than a historical truth.
But hey, even if it is a recent rumour, it's a darn entertaining one! And let's face it, the idea of a bunch of ravens acting as guardians of the Crown adds a touch of the delightfully bizarre to British history.
A Brush with History: When the Ravens Almost Flew the Coop
This legend even has a brush with wartime drama! During World War II, the Blitz saw the raven population dwindle down to a measly three thanks to bombs and stress. Fearing the prophecy might come true (and the potential PR nightmare of a crownless Britain), none other than Winston Churchill himself ordered the recruitment of some new ravens to bring the flock back up to strength. Now that's some high-stakes birdwatching!
So, are the ravens really magical guardians? Probably not. But they are certainly a fascinating part of the Tower's history and a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting stories aren't always the ones rooted in fact.
Raven FAQs: Your Pressing Perch-es Answered
How to become a Ravenmaster at the Tower of London? Sorry to disappoint, but this isn't a real job. The ravens are cared for by Yeoman Warders, who are essentially beefeaters (ceremonial guards) with a love for our feathered friends.
How to tell the ravens apart? They all have unique personalities and even wear little leg tags for identification purposes. So next time you visit, try to spot Bran the Bold or Jubilee!
How to befriend a raven? While these ravens are comfortable around humans, they're wild birds, not cuddly companions. Respect their space and admire them from afar.
How many ravens are there at the Tower currently? The number fluctuates, but there are usually more than the required six, just in case one gets peckish and decides to fly off with a particularly sparkly crown jewel.
How to convince a raven to share their snacks? Don't even try it. They're scavengers by nature and fiercely protective of their food. Besides, wouldn't you want to keep your snacks to yourself too, if they were made of gold and diamonds?
