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Since the 1600s, ravens have stood guard at the Tower of London.
King Charles II reckoned at least six needed to be present at all times, else the kingdom would be in complete ruin.
And so, since then, the conspiracy (yes, that’s the word for a collective of ravens, much like a school of fish or a pack of wolves) has been an integral part of the Tower of London experience.
Now, there’s a brand-new Meet the Ravens package centred around these majestic creatures and the role they’ve played all these years.
This isn’t just any old visit, though: it actually takes place before regular opening hours, between the hours of 8am and 8.15am.
So, if you fancy a frolic on the South Lawn before you clock into work, you’ll be able to do so on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Better still, it lasts 45 minutes, which means if you work right by the Tower (or have flexible hours), you’ll be able to visit before heading into the office.
It might be £90 for an adult ticket and £50 for children between the ages of 5 and 17, but you’ll be granted time with a Yeoman Warder. Part of the Ravenmaster’s team, you’ll meet at the raven’s cages and learn all about their unique personalities, their daily routines, and the centuries-long role they’ve played at one of the most iconic landmarks in London.
At the moment, there are not six, but eight ravens: Harris, Jubilee, Poppy, Edgar, Georgie, Chaos, Henry and Poe.
Interestingly enough, all of the Tower’s ravens are able to fly, but their flight feathers are occasionally given a trim by the Ravenmaster.
Alongside ‘plenty of food and a comfortable new enclosure, they’re happy to call the Tower their home,’ and so don’t generally consider fleeing.
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In the past, though, some have got tired of their ravenly duties and left to start a new life. Basically, they flew off one day and never came back.
If you’ve ever wondered what the ravens eat, they’re fed twice a day, and generally go for a delightful assortment of mice, rats, and chicks.
Sometimes, if they’ve been particularly well-behaved, they’re allowed biscuits dipped in blood, which feels fairly gothic.
A personal appointment with the ravens isn’t the only thing your ticket will get you. Because you’ll be inside the Tower before it even opens, you’ll effectively be skipping the queue to get in.
You’ll also see the ravens being released for the day from their enclosures, and be among the first to visit the popular Crown Jewels exhibition.
I’ve lived in South London for 3 years — but I’ve just discovered its biggest gem
Lifestyle Reporter Charlie Sawyer has lived in South London for three years, and now feels she’s officially become a local. And recently, she discovered a new spot (to her, at least) that’s since taken her heart.
I defend our patch south of the river till I’m blue in the face, and despite loving all that North London has to offer, can never see myself making the move.
However, despite my bravado, it wasn’t actually until a few weeks ago that I stumbled across South London’s ‘best-kept secret’.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is situated in Forest Hill and it’s quickly becoming my favourite place in the city.
It’s free, filled with green spaces, bursting with character, and has an incredible view of the London skyline — and that’s just the beginning.
A Sunday at the Horniman Museum and Gardens starts at the weekend market.
Situated directly next to the bandstand, you’ll find food stalls, vendors selling ceramics, vinyls, and jewellery and grocers pedalling some incredible organic produce.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk
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