tradition

Legend has it that King Charles II (1660-1685) heard a prophecy that said that If the crows ever left that tower on the banks of the Thames, It would sink and the kingdom of England with it.

Since then, members of the Yeomen Warders, the body of guards in charge of guarding this famous medieval castle that houses the Crown jewels, They take care of these birds and ensure that at least six remain in the enclosure, as dictated by the rules promulgated by Charles II.

A crow digs its claws into a fence inside its enclosure at the Tower of London on July 29, 2024. | Photo: AFP

According to information published by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the independent charity that runs the Tower, Erin and Rex said that one-year-old crows died of unknown causes in August 2022 and September 2024.

The British media Metro announced that a third crow, named Gripp, died in July 2023, after its head became trapped in a cage and other birds attacked it. Although this case occurred more than a year ago, the story was revealed on October 3 of this year.

The ‘master of crows’

Royal Marines Commando Michael Chandler has operated in the most dangerous terrain, but his current mission is even more crucial – as ‘Raven Master’ of the Tower of London is responsible for the survival of the United Kingdom.

Since March of this year, Michael Barney Chandler, 57, has taken charge of this task as ‘Master of Ravens’, a role that is taken very seriously.

Dressed in a black and red uniform, recognizable by his round, flat-brimmed hat, he leads a team of four men in charge of feeding, curing and watching over the Tower’s birds.

This former Royal Marines commando, who took part in missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Arctic, had no particular interest in birds before arriving at the Tower of London 14 years ago.

“What attracted me at first was the legend, I think. And then, when working with them (…), it became something natural,” he explains. “I fell in love with crows,” says Chandler, who praises their “extreme intelligence (…) They have their personalities, just like us.”

“They are very homely (…), so even if they are free during the day, they don’t go around,” explains Michael, who also highlights the good treatment they receive.

Of course, they trim several feathers from one wing so that they cannot fly very high.

According to legend, King Charles II, who reigned between 1660 and 1685, was told an ancient prophecy that said that if the crows abandoned the famous tower, it would collapse, taking the kingdom with it. | Photo: AFP

In the Tower they can survive for twenty years, against between 10 and 15 in nature. The oldest raven lived in the Tower for 44 years.

Funny and not so surly, The birds sometimes scare tourists who do not expect to see them so closeperched on a staircase or railing.

The former soldier, who with the Yeomen Warders guarded the Queen’s coffin in Westminster during the funeral vigil, does not take this service lightly.

*With information from AFP.