The Tower of London is one of the most mysterious and enigmatic monuments in Britain. Many dark legends and traditions are associated with it, dedicated to conspiracies, executions, intrigues and the struggle for the throne. Among such legends is the belief of the Tower of Ravens who guard the monarchy of Britain.
Tower history
Construction of the Tower began in the 11th century, when William the Conqueror laid siege to and conquered London. After the victory, he ordered to build a fortress for the defense and intimidation of the conquered inhabitants. Over time, the Tower was constantly fortified and completed, turning into one of the most defended fortresses in Europe.
Already in the XII century, the Tower began to be used as a special prison in which high-ranking prisoners were kept. Over the years of the Tower's existence in this capacity, the kings of France, Scotland, many representatives of aristocratic families and just people who somehow threatened the British crown managed to visit it. In addition, secret executions were carried out in the Tower, and many prisoners gave away their secrets under torture.
In the period from the 13th to the 18th century, the Tower was also a zoo, where they kept various exotic animals donated to the royal family. In 1830, the zoo was moved to the capital's Regency Park and became accessible to all residents of London.
Raven Legends
According to legend, black crows first appeared in the Tower in 1553, when Queen Jane Gray ruled England. These birds were believed to bring bad news. The British were finally convinced of this when a raven knocked on the cell window of the Duke of Essex, imprisoned for attempting to rebel against Queen Elizabeth. A few days after this, Essex was executed at the Tower. Black birds, it was alleged, appeared to those prisoners of the Tower, who were soon to be sent to the scaffold.
In 1667, the court astronomer of King Charles II was engaged in research and measurements on the territory of the Tower, when he was interrupted by a flock of ravens living in one of the towers. The king forbade the scientist to harm the birds, as there was a prediction that the disappearance of the ravens from the fortress would lead to the fall of the British monarchy.
Moreover, a special decree was issued requiring the keeping of at least six ravens. This prescription is carried out to this day, and the British are sure that as long as the crows live in the Tower, nothing threatens their crown. The ravens are watched by a special guard, on whose shoulders lies the care of the bird dynasty. At the moment, seven ravens live in the Tower, one of which plays the role of a "spare".
To protect the monarchy from the whims of birds, the enterprising English cut the wings of the Tower Ravens, but the conditions for keeping the birds are so comfortable that this measure seems like an unnecessary attempt to deceive the prophecy.
In the nests of ravens, researchers find various historical artifacts. For example, this is how they found a glass on which the coat of arms of the Duke of Essex was engraved.
