The Tower of London boasts a treasured trove of fascinating historical tradition that persists to this day. In the Tower, at this moment, there are eight ravens. The eight are named Harris, Jubilee, Poppy, Edgar, Georgie, Chaos, Henry, and Poe. Their origin is wrapped in legends that branch off in many directions. However, the accepted one is that Charles II, King of England from 1660 until 1685, decreed that six ravens be kept at the Tower. The pervading thought was that if the ravens fled or were physically removed, then the kingdom of England would fall. This is but one of many thoughts as to the origin of the ravens of the Tower, but it is the one held closest to the heart.
To date, there are always at least six ravens in the care of an employed Ravenmaster. They are protected with unusual care. In 2006, when the H5N1 was a worldwide threat, the existing ravens of the time were taken inside and housed in custom-built aviaries. The current Ravenmaster is Barney Chandler, who assumed the role in 2024 after the retirement of Christopher Skaife.
Caring For The Tower’s Most Famous Residents
The Tower’s breeding program ensures an always-present group of ravens to “protect” the integrity of the kingdom. The ravens of the Tower are treated quite well. They are waited upon by servants assigned to their daily care. They are fed raw meats that usually consist of liver, beef, and pork, as well as the occasional lamb heart. Every other day, a boiled egg with the shell intact and biscuits are brought to them. They are looked over once a week, and their feathers are trimmed frequently to prevent them from flying away.
The ravens’ care is paid for with public tax funds. In return, the ravens must be made available for the public to fawn over and observe. When new ravens are announced, the public gets to vote for the names. Londoners are quite fond of the resident ravens and can easily tell you their names and some facts about them.
The Tower of London contains 23 towers. Some of the ravens belong to specific towers and are identified by a colored band. Ravens have long lifespans, often living upwards of 40 years. The Tower Ravenmaster maintains successors to ensure that at least six required ravens are in residence at any one time.
During World War II, Prime Minister Winston Churchill enlisted the ravens as bomb and plane spotters. While the flock suffered casualties, its numbers were always adequately maintained. An interesting fact about the Tower of London ravens is that they are actual enlisted soldiers of the kingdom and are subject to the same criteria as soldiers and police. Some ravens have been dismissed due to “conduct unbecoming.”
The Tower ravens can be viewed on a tour of the Tower of London and are often a solitary reason some visit the storied monument
My wild raven friend, Ray, full name, Ray Ven, knows his name and responds when I call him, both vocally and by appearing in all of his splendor. He is such a character and has made my life so much brighter by adopting me when I moved to the northern part of the mid-west some years ago now. He would follow me on walks. I would give him unsalted peanuts in the shell. He would hang out on a low lying limb for a chat. He is now married to Ramona and they have a beautiful family. They both love Purina “Little Bits” Dog chow, along with peanuts. The two adults taught the kids how to call me out of my residence for snacks. Ravens, crows, and all corvids are absolutely brilliant.