Among the busy streets and towering buildings of central London, the echo of an ancient legend reverberates. The Tower of London, established by William the Conqueror in 1078, stands as a testament to the city’s beautiful and brutal past. Yet, its history is vividly brought to life not by its stoneworks, but by its raven residents. According to a 17th-century folktale, at least six ravens must reside at the Tower at all times, or the Crown and Britain, as a whole, will fall. This belief dates back to the reign of Charles II. He wanted the ravens removed, concerned their droppings were damaging the Observatory’s mechanisms. However, upon hearing the prophecy, he wisely decided to relocate the Observatory to Greenwich instead, and the ravens remained at the tower. From then, the responsibility for the raven’s welfare was given to the Yeomen Warders. Over the years, the birds have become symbolic guardians of the Tower, watching over its history with quiet dignity. Many stories of their exploits have surfaced, earning them recognition and often adoration from observers. Every day, the ravens are fed a diet of raw meat and biscuits soaked in blood, and every night, they are locked into their sheltered sleeping quarters to protect them from foxes. To ensure the number of ravens never falls below six, seven birds are actually kept at the Tower. The Tower ravens are said to be extraordinarily long-lived, with some reaching the age of 40 or even older. Over the years, these ravens have demonstrated distinct personalities and have become beloved figures at the Tower. Such is the legend of the Tower ravens, entwined with the history of the Tower and Britain itself. A living prophecy and a timeless testament to the enduring allure of folklore.