Meet the ravens at the Tower of London

‘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.

Legends of the ravens

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.

How to see the ravens

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.

Visitor tips

• Do not feed the ravens yourself, as they can bite if they feel their territory is being threatened. These birds respond only to the Ravenmaster and should not be approached by anyone else.
  
• Visit early in the day to enjoy a more leisurely exploration of the ravens, beat the crowds, and meet the birds when they are more active. Weekdays are generally less crowded, giving you more peaceful time to observe the ravens and take photos.
  
• Avoid mid-day, between 12pm–2pm, as the ravens are least active and often perch in shaded spots or retreat to their enclosure. Early morning (before 11am) or late afternoon (after 3pm) is best.
  
• Look for Poppy as she is the most social. Poppy is known to be curious and often approaches visitors (especially those holding maps or shiny objects). She’s smaller, sleek, and has a red leg band.
  
• Consider a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the ravens. 
  
• If you see the Ravenmaster (usually in distinctive dark blue uniform), feel free to ask questions. They’re often happy to share fun facts about the birds.