Meet the ravens that call the Tower of London home. These birds are believed to protect the kingdom from disaster, and their presence is steeped in folklore and tradition.
‘If the ravens leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall…’
The ravens at the Tower of London are a symbol of British history and folklore. Located within the historic fortress, these iconic birds are believed to protect the kingdom from disaster. Visitors can meet the ravens and learn about their significance, immersing themselves in the history and culture of this legendary site.
The Tower of London Ravens offer a glimpse into the world of British history and folklore. Whether you're here for the legends, the history, or the atmosphere, these ravens are designed to intrigue.
Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, both the fortress and the kingdom will fall. This superstition dates back to King Charles II, who, upon hearing this ominous prophecy, decreed that at least six ravens must always reside at the Tower to safeguard the realm. Royal astronomer John Flamsteed supposedly complained to Charles II that the ravens were flying past his telescope, making it harder for him to observe the sky from his observatory in the White Tower. It is believed that this led to Charles II commissioning the new Greenwich Observatory.
There is also a Welsh legend about the Irish leader Matholwch who mistreated the princess Branwen. Branwen's brother Brân the Blessed (King of the Britons) ordered his followers to cut off his head and bury it beneath The White Hill, where the Tower now stands. Brân is the modern Welsh word for raven.
There is also the belief that the ravens were originally brought in to dramatise the alleged site of executions at the Tower.
Entry to see the Tower of London ravens is included in all Tower of London tickets. Visitors can meet the ravens and learn about their significance as part of their fortress experience.
Current resident ravens:
The names of the ravens currently living at the Tower of London are Jubilee, Harris, Poppy, Georgie, Edgar and Branwen.
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Yes, access to the ravens is included with all Tower of London tickets.
The ravens live in an enclosement next to the Wakefield Tower. You’re most likely to find them in the South Lawn, although they are also frequently found near the Jewel House, the White Tower, or Traitor’s Gate.
Yes, photography is allowed, but please avoid getting too close to the birds and be considerate of other guests.
Allocate at least 30 mins to see the ravens and understand their history.
Yes, guided tours are available and recommended for a deeper understanding. You can also attend one of the talks by the keepers.
The ravens are accustomed to human presence and often interact with visitors. However, they are wild animals and often territorial, so it's best to admire them without attempting to touch or feed them.
The ravens are fed twice a day by the Ravenmaster and their diet includes mice, chicks, rats, assorted raw meats, and even biscuits soaked in blood.
The Ravenmaster occasionally trims some of the ravens' flight feathers to encourage them to stay at the Tower. All the Tower ravens are able to fly but, with plenty of food and a comfortable enclosure, they stay at the Tower. However, some ravens have gone absent in the past and others have been fired.
The ravens are under the dedicated care of the Ravenmaster, a Yeoman Warder who oversees their daily needs, including feeding, health checks, and enrichment activities. The current Ravenmaster is Michael "Barney" Chandler.
In captivity, ravens can live up to 40 years, though their average lifespan is around 10-15 years. The Tower's ravens receive excellent care, contributing to their longevity.
