Bizarre But True! The Tower of London’s ravens aren’t cute mascots. They’re officially enlisted soldiers who can even be court-martialled. They dine on blood-soaked biscuits and whole rabbits. One faked its own death for attention, then bit the bloke who fell for it…
And according to centuries of superstition, if they ever leave, the entire kingdom collapses. The best part? Most of this legend might be Victorian fake news.
Read on to discover the Bizarre But True! history behind the Tower’s famous ravens – together with your chance of cut price tickets to visit for yourself!
These Birds Are Actual Soldiers – With Discharge Papers
Since World War II, Tower ravens have been official members of the British armed forces.
They get attestation cards like human soldiers. They can be dismissed for “conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.” In fact, Raven George got the boot in 1986.
His official discharge papers stated: “Conduct unsatisfactory, service therefore no longer required.” His crime? Developing an appetite for eating television aerials.
In 1995, ravens Hugine and Jackie were sacked for “conduct unbecoming to Tower Residents” after they got too distracted during mating season. Their hormones literally ended their military careers.
Their Menu Is Properly Grim
Tower ravens consume 6oz of raw meat daily. That includes mice, chicks, rats, and assorted other raw meats. But their most bizarre treat? Biscuits soaked in blood.
They’re also fed whole rabbits occasionally. The fur is good for them, apparently. This macabre menu isn’t embellished either. The Ravenmaster maintains this diet because these birds aren’t pets – they’re predators with a job to do.
One Raven Faked Death, Then Attacked
A raven named Edgar Sopper once became jealous when another raven died and received attention. So Edgar decided to play dead himself…
His performance was so convincing that the Ravenmaster sorrowfully picked up the “corpse” – only to have Edgar bite his finger and flap off croaking massive raven laughs. This isn’t folklore either. It’s documented corvid intelligence and dark humour that defies typical wildlife behaviour…!
World War II Nearly Ended The Legend
During the Blitz, continuous bombing killed all but three ravens from stress and direct hits.
The survivors—Gripp, Mabel,and Pauline, soon disappeared, leaving only Raven Grip. Tower records solemnly stated “there are none left” at one point. Winston Churchill ordered immediate replacements.
Some historians blame the post-war loss of the British Empire on the ravens’ escape during this period. The kingdom survived World War II with just one raven protecting it.
A 21-Year ‘Veteran’ Went AWOL To A Pub
Raven Grog served faithfully at the Tower for 21 years.
Then he decided he needed a change of scene. He was last seen outside an East End pub called the “Rose and Punchbowl” in 1981, having gone AWOL despite wing trimming. This wasn’t rehabilitation. He simply preferred pub life to royal duty. Fair play.
Another raven, Mabel, disappeared after World War II. There’s an enduring suggestion, although never proved, that Mabel was actually kidnapped. This remains an unsolved mystery.
They Can Bite Off Human Fingers
Former Ravenmaster Chris Skaife warned that a raven’s beak is strong enough to bite off a human finger. So these certainly aren’t cuddly tourist attractions.
Visitors are explicitly warned not to feed them or approach too closely. They can bite if they feel their territory is being threatened.
But The Legend Might Be Complete B******s!
So, having said all that, here’s the kicker: the Tower’s official historian believes the raven mythology is “likely to be a Victorian flight of fantasy.”
The earliest factual reference to captive ravens at the Tower is from only 1883 – not the 1600s as legend claims. The first mention of the “kingdom will fall” prophecy appeared only in July 1944 during World War II. That’s barely 80 years ago, and still living memory for some people!
Britain’s most enduring supernatural tradition might be younger than your grandparents…
One Raven Lived to 44 Years Old
A raven called Jim Crow died at age 44, making him the oldest raven to live at the Tower. Ravens in the wild rarely exceed 23 years.
These institutional birds live better than many British citizens!They’re protected, fed premium meat and serving the Crown with pension-like security.
See Them For Yourself…
You can meet these officially enlisted, finger-biting, blood-biscuit-eating soldiers in person.
The Tower of London offers full access to the ravens, the Crown Jewels and 1,000 years of properly dark British history. You’ll see where Anne Boleyn lost her head, where the Princes in the Tower disappeared and where these bizarre birds patrol the battlements.
Book your Tower of London tickets below and see the ravens that might (or might not) be holding the kingdom together…
