Is this the first time the very fabric of the nation has been threatened by severe boredom?
The legend goes that if the ravens ever flee the Tower of London, both the monarchy and the Tower will crumble into the dust, leaving the nation bereft of its royals and London bereft of a landmark. So not something you really want to be playing fast and loose with, then. Whether you believe this or not, the chances of the ravens leaving are actually increasing at the moment, another unforeseen consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. Meaning that if they jet off for pastures new and everything goes to shit, you can thank 2020 for another job well done…
According to the Tower’s Ravenmaster, Chris Skaife, the ravens are bored by the lack of visitors, which is leading them to stray further and further away in search of company. Visitor numbers to the Tower of London have plummeted in the wake of the pandemic, and whilst a handful have returned since it reopened to the public, they’ve not being providing anywhere near the usual amount of contact the ravens would enjoy. Ravens are known to be exceptionally social birds, and the lack of company has been driving them further afield in search of attention – which is now precariously close to putting dear Liz and co in danger…
The legend of the ravens dates back to Charles II, who reportedly warned of the dire consequences should the ravens desert the Tower. Things have been so quiet that the Beefeaters have been throwing their leftovers to the ravens in a ploy to keep them entertained, whilst Skaife has also been giving them footballs and dog toys to play with, according to The Sun. With at least two ravens seemingly countenancing an escape through the visitor’s exit, the Tower of London is making a plea for us to pay a visit as soon as possible, with the addendum that you please give the ravens as much attention as possible. Just think, they’ve been as bored as you have during lockdown – and they didn’t have the benefit of Tiger King…