The feathered guardians of England’s legacy
For Christopher Skaife, author of The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London, ravens are a passion and vocation. As Yoeman Warder (Beefeater) at the Royal Majesty’s Tower and Fortress, The Tower of London, love of story telling is an important asset. Skaife’s fascination with spectacle, theater, and history makes his stories come alive. He says it takes 6 months to memorize the narrative told during the Tower of London’s tour, and 3-4 years to fully perfect it. As Ravenmaster, the health and welfare of the Tower’s flock of ravens is one of his primary responsibilities. Years of observing, researching, and interacting with these birds give him great knowledge and insights to share in this fascinating behind the scenes look at a Ravenmaster’s life (@ravenmaster1). Skaife notes ravens play a role in history, legends, literature, and photography. One poem, “The Ravens’ Nest” by 18th century English poet John Clare, is about a pair of village ravens returning each year ...