Raven given freedom to fly from the Tower
IT IS said of the ravens in the Tower of London that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall. But now their master has a radical new policy that allows the birds greater freedom – and one is even permitted to regularly fly away.
Chris Skaife, the raven master at the Tower of London, has been experimenting with a new method of clipping the birds’ wings which allows one loyal favourite to leave the tower.
The bird, named Merlina, goes as far as the nearby wharf next to the Thames. It is believed to be the first time a raven has been allowed to leave since the birds were first kept to guard the Tower more than a century ago.
Unusually, she is “bonded” to the keeper – meaning she always returns. “She doesn’t go far but I do have to go and collect her. She always comes back,” says Mr Skaife. “As far as I’m aware, until now the same methods had been used for over a century. It’s very much down to the individual raven master and what he prefers to do.
“I allow them to have a little more freedom of movement because it makes them healthier. It just ensures that they have as much ability to enjoy their lives as possible.
“I haven’t had any fly away as yet. After two years of trials I am just getting to the stage now where it’s going really well. We’ve perfected our ability to keep them here.
“Aesthetically they look better for the visitors as well,” he said.
Mr Skaife clips around a third less than his predecessors did from the ravens’ wings, leaving some of the birds’ secondary flight feathers as well as primary flight feathers.
He decides exactly how much to trim from each bird depending on its size. This leaves them freer to fly properly and means they can reach the roof of the Tower. Before they were only able to hop or glide for short distances.
Despite having clipped wings, one raven named Grog was last spotted outside an East End pub called the Rose and Punchbowl in 1981.
The birds also have new enclosures, installed a year ago, where they are fed and can sleep. Previously their food was scattered around the Tower’s grounds and they slept in a box indoors, but now they have new freedom to stay out overnight and sleep on a perch, which is more natural.
Mr Skaife’s new method also allows them to flee urban foxes. In 2013 two ravens were killed by a fox, leading to new cages being installed by Historic Royal Palaces, which runs the Tower. Last year these were replaced to stop seagulls raiding the ravens’ food.
The new regime has also meant a new diet. The ravens still feed on Smithfield Market offcuts, but also eat mice, rats and chicks, to prevent them from scavenging from bins.
The Tower must keep six by royal decree, but there is enough space for seven. All have been bred in captivity.
The role of raven master is taken on by one of the Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, who guard the Tower. They have all served at least 22 years as soldiers, reached the rank of Warrant Officer and have a good conduct medal.
Meanwhile, yesterday the captain and a shore party from HMS Richmond presented the lieutenant of the Tower with a barrel of wine. This ceremony of the Constable’s Dues dates back to the 14th century, when dues were paid by ships that were passing up the Thames.
Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall. To avoid this national calamity, the wings of the birds are clipped to stop them flying away. Or so we thought. Now it transpires that Chris Skaife, the Tower’s raven master, allows at least one of the six birds kept by Royal Decree to wander off occasionally by leaving some of their flight feathers. What on earth is he doing? Mr Skaife says he has a good enough bond with the peripatetic raven to ensure she returns. But what if she doesn’t? These legends need to be taken seriously, like the old saying that if the lions on the Embankment drink, London will sink. Is Mr Skaife risking the realm by letting the ravens fly off? In the past, there was a place of incarceration for people who jeopardised the Crown. The Tower of London.