Legend says that the Tower of London and the kingdom will fall if there are no ravens on the tower grounds. To protect the realm, the ravens wings are clipped.

Ravens have always inhabited the Tower of London, and a centuries old legend says that if the ravens leave, the Tower and kingdom will fall. Being a superstitious person, Charles II decreed that there should always be at least six ravens in residence at the Tower of London. Seven ravens currently live on the grounds of the Tower of London and can usually be seen on the Tower Green. One of the Yeoman Warders is a Ravenmaster and cares for the ravens, feeding them meat and bird biscuits.

Although the ravens's wings are clipped, this does not harm them in any way. It just keeps them from escaping the Tower. The ravens are well cared for and can live a long time. The oldest raven died at age 44. One of the ravens at the Tower of London today is in his 20's.