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Meet The Ravenmaster At The Tower of London

The Ravenmaster — photo by Historic Royal Palaces

Ravens have a reputation for being omens of death or misfortune, making frequent appearances in gothic horror movies and dark tales of untimely death. Their impressive black plumage gives the birds a brooding appearance, which lends itself to frightening stories and sits nicely with the Tower of London’s dark history of hangings, beheadings, and murder.

Ravens have a haunting reputation around the world. Swedish folklore says that ravens are the ghosts of murdered people, and in Germany, they’re said to be the souls of the damned. Some cultures, in parts of America and Asia, maintain that the raven is godly and has magical powers.

According to British legend, if the six ravens at the Tower of London were to leave, then the kingdom would fall; the White Tower would crumble and the ruling monarch would be dethroned.

King Charles II’s astronomer, John Flamsteed, complained that the ravens got in the way of his observatory work in the White Tower, but when the King considered eradicating the birds from the grounds, he was warned that he would lose his crown. So the King ordered that the birds should be protected instead.

Gardening, Birding, and Outdoor Adventure
Gardening, Birding, and Outdoor Adventure

Published in Gardening, Birding, and Outdoor Adventure

A community for vegetable and flower gardening enthusiasts, lovers and observers of birds, outdoor explorers and adventurers, and good photography.

Susie K 🐹 Guinea pig slave
Susie K 🐹 Guinea pig slave

Written by Susie K 🐹 Guinea pig slave

Freelance journalist UK. Published in BBC Countryfile, The Mirror, Britain mag etc. Covers writing, health, psychology, memoir, current affairs, & environment.

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