Inside the Tower of London: Ravens, Keys & Unforgettable Legends
If you think the Tower is just a tourist trap for Crown Jewels selfies, you’ve only scratched the surface. From feathered guardians to seven-centuries-old rituals, here’s what actually makes this fortress tick.
1. The Ravens: England’s Feathered Guardians
Yes, those famous black birds stroll the Tower grounds—and yes, legend claims the kingdom falls if they leave. That’s not fantasy: after his coronation, Charles II decreed that at least six ravens must reside there to keep disaster at bay. And today? There are seven ravens, one extra as a precaution.
Meet the Flock:
Jubilee, Harris, Gripp, Rocky, Erin, Poppy, Georgie (sometimes Edgar or Branwen depending on breeding).
Care & Charm:
Handled daily by the Ravenmaster, now Barney Chandler, a former Royal Marine. Their wings are clipped just enough to keep them home but still allow flight around the grounds.
These birds are more than myth—they’re clever, mischievous, and packed with personality. Some play dead for laughs. Others mourn loss. Ravenmaster says they’re as intelligent as a seven-year-old child
2. Ceremony of the Keys: The Oldest Ritual You Can Attend
Every evening at 9:53pm, a solemn rite plays out that hasn’t changed much in seven centuries:
The Chief Yeoman Warder emerges from the Byward Tower with a lantern and the Queen’s Keys.
A guard challenges: “Halt! Who comes there?”
The reply? “King Charles’ keys.”
If the sentinel says “Pass, all’s well,”(or “Queen’s keys,” depending on the monarch), the ceremony proceedsDoors are locked, Tribal bugler plays The Last Post, and the keys are handed off to the Resident Governor.
Tickets are just £5, but demand is high—they sell out fast. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes and ends at 22:05.
And fun fact: it has been postponed only once—during the Blitz in WWII.
3. Myths, Sodden Ravens & Spooky Traditions
The Raven Myth:
Legend stems in part from Celtic folklore: Brân the Blessed (Welsh for “raven”) was said to guard the land from beneath what’s now the Tower. So keeping ravens alive here became symbolic protection.
Strange Raven Tales:
One raven, Merlina, earned fame for playing dead—then springing up to spook visitors.
Another, George, was dismissed for chewing TV aerials (!) and sent to Wales. Grog, after 21 years, simply flew off to an East End pub.
4. Why These Traditions Still Matter Today
The Ravenmaster job is more crucial than ever—a formal role since the 17th century, ensuring at least six ravens remain. Otherwise British folklore says the kingdom falls.
The Ceremony of the Keys is thought to be the oldest military ceremony still performed daily. It’s the only one delayed once—during WWII.
Together, these rituals turn a historic fortress into a living story—where mythology, monarchy, and British showmanship come together.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Tower isn’t just about seeing the Crown Jewels. It’s about feeling the heartbeat of a legend—complete with talking birds and midnight gate-locking rituals that survive to this day.