Only a handful of prisoners have ever managed to escape from the Tower of London in its 1,000-year history.
Those were inevitably on foot. But Beefeaters are now facing a new type of flight risk – from a pair of mischievous ravens.
The guards have had to clip both wings of the errant birds after they started to defy their Ravenmaster’s calls, risking their safety – and that of the Crown.
Legend has it that if the ravens that guard the Tower of London ever leave, the Monarchy – and the kingdom – will fall.
Because of this, six ravens are always kept on site, along with a spare in case something happens to one of the other birds. To ensure they can’t fly too far – and to protect them from the busy London traffic – Ravenmaster Chris Skaife usually clips just one wing.
However, Jubilee and Branwen have now had both their wings clipped to prevent ‘upward and rapid flight’ to the top of the White Tower, where they can’t be reached.
The guards have had to clip both wings of the errant birds after they started to defy their Ravenmaster’s calls, risking their safety – and that of the Crown
The temporary measure was introduced when the birds began disobeying commands after being kept inside by law to protect them from last year’s bird flu outbreak.
Jubilee – presented to the Queen to mark the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 – is said to be the ringleader behind the mischief.
It is not the first time the Tower’s ravens have had a flight of fancy. In 2011, Muninn flew five miles to Greenwich and was eventually returned by a member of the public, while the suitably named Grog escaped in 1981 and was last seen outside an East End pub.
Jubilee and Branwen should also take note: ravens can be sacked. In 1986, George was given his marching orders after he destroyed five TV aerials in a week.
Legend has it that if the ravens that guard the Tower of London ever leave, the Monarchy – and the kingdom – will fall
The Tower announced at the time: ‘On Saturday 13 September 1986, raven George, enlisted 1975, was posted to the Welsh Mountain Zoo. Conduct unsatisfactory, service therefore no longer required.’
The ravens usually dine on a diet of mice, chicks and rats but are also given biscuits soaked in blood as a special treat. This Christmas, they were handed pieces of meat from the Tower’s kitchens as the Beefeaters’ lunch was prepared.
In 2019, it was reported that attempts were being made to train the birds so that the practice of wing clipping can one day cease.
The birds usually live up to 15 years in the wild but can live upwards of 60 years in captivity. The Tower’s oldest raven was Jim Crow, which died at the age of 44.
Rob Fuller, Chief Yeoman Warder, said: ‘The ravens are part of the Tower community and we take our responsibility for their welfare very seriously. The majority were bred and raised at the Tower and have not lived in the wild. For their safety, we trim one of their wings to encourage them to stay at the Tower, where we can look after them and feed them a varied diet.’