Myths and legends

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Local legends

Europe: civilization and memoryStories rooted in place

At least six ravens are kept at the Tower of London. Legend says that 'if the ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it', and local lore traces the ravens back to the reign of Charles II. But some scholars, including the Tower's official historian, believe the legend is probably a Victorian invention: the earliest known reference to ravens kept at the Tower is an illustration from 1883.

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