The curious and clever ravens are an all-important feature of the Tower: a 350-year-old superstition has it that if the Tower of London’s six feathered residents ever leave, the kingdom will fall. It might be a rumour from the reign of King Charles II, but the keepers today still aren’t taking any chances. Six ravens, plus one extra just to be safe, are kept on site in an aviary but are free to roam the premises during the day. The birds named Jubilee, Harris, Gripp, Rocky, Erin, Poppy and Merlina, are looked after by the in-house ravenmaster and have their feathers trimmed to encourage them to stay nearby but are still able to fly.