Raven's lodgings, Tower of London by danapommet
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Description
Still inside the Tower of London: These small houses are the Raven's lodgings. There is a legend that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the White Tower, the monarchy, and the entire kingdom would fall. There have been at least six ravens in residence at the tower for centuries. The legend of these Ravens in the Tower of London is so important to the people of England that ten ravens (6 on duty and 4 young spares) are actually employed by the Tower of London at the expense of the British government, in return for their service they are treated very well and at least six ravens are provided with Raven's Lodgings at the Tower of London. A Yeoman Warder, or Beefeater, has the specific role of Ravenmaster at the Tower and takes care of their feeding and well being. Ravens can be quite vicious birds and they only respond to the Ravenmaster. The Ravenmaster builds this relationship with the ravens as he takes the fledglings into his home and hand rears them over a period of about six weeks. Ravens live, up to an average, of 25 years. To prevent the birds from flying away, one of their wings is clipped, by the Ravenmaster. This does not hurt or harm the raven in any way. Clipping their wing unbalances their flight ensuring that they don't stray too far from the Tower. Ravens are members of the crow family, Corvus, and eat carrion, in the wild and live mainly on dead flesh, in the Tower. The Raven's lodgings are located next to the Wakefield Tower.
Currently, there are 10 ravens in residence. Six on duty: Gwylum (male,18 years old), Thor (male,15), Hugin (female,11), Munin (female,11), Branwen (female,3) and Bran (male,3). The four spares are: Gundulf (male, 1), Baldrick (male,1), Fleur (female,4) and Colin (male,2). The oldest raven, ever to serve at the Tower of London, was called Jim Crow, who died at the age of 44.
Some information from Wikipedia
Thanks for stopping by, taking a peak and for all your previous comments and favs.
Dana
Comments (17)
auntietk
Great shot, and absolutely fascinating information!
0rest4wicked
Great narrativea and POV!
bmac62
How cool. I have never heard of this tradition before. Fine photo.
blinkings
Great photo and info. They always remind me of undertakers for some reason. I see they also have there own gunnery to ward of any unruly Yellow-Bellied Sap Suckers!
BessieB
An excellent shot
Katraz
Great info and a nice picture.
beachzz
You give so much info--and what amazing stuff here!!
PSDuck
Brings back fond memories!
DAVER2112
Wonderful shot! So much history there. Thanks for the info. :)
lucindawind
fabulous shot and info ! I would love to visit there one day
sandra46
wonderful shot!
A_Joker_B
No doubt you had a great time there! Top shot and info!
jendellas
Hey we love our animals over here. Great info & superb pic, thanks Dana.
orig_buggy
never heard of that before ..but excellent shot !!
Str4wB34ry
If you ever needed evidence of how mad we Brits are - you have it there .......we just love tradition!! Can't do much about the colour of the sky over here but a nice picture all the same.
flavia49
excellent shot and info!!
myrrhluz
Great image and very interesting information!