This Job's for the Birds-- Part 3: Many Uses of the Tower of London

The jet-black birds are a familiar feature at the Tower of London landmark, which has served as an arsenal, palace, prison, zoo and more recently a tourist attraction. 

Built by King William I after hiss conquest of England in 1066, it served as a royal residence for several hundred years, but is more famous as a prison.  Famous inmates have included Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth I; Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up Parliament; and Adolph Hitler's deputy, Rudolph Hess.

Nowadays, almost 3 million tourists come each year to soak up history and see the glittering Crown Jewels which are kept there.

--Cooter

This Job's for the Birds-- Part 2: The Beefeaters

Michael "Barney" Chandler took over the post of Ravenmaster on March 1, 2024.  As such, he leads a group called Yeoman Warders, which goes back to the 15th century.  You may know them better as Beefeaters who dress in the very distinctive black and scarlet Tudor-style uniforms.  If you've ever seen a bottle of Beefeaters Gin, that's them.

They perform a hybrid role at the Tower of London.  They not only provide security, but also lead tours of the tower and perform ceremonial duties.

He leads a group of 4 former military men looking after the tower's seven ravens-- the six decreed by Charles II and a spare.  In case you're wondering, their names are Jubilee, Harris, Poppy, Georgie, Edgar, Branwen and the latest addition, Rex, who was named in honor of King Charles III last year when he had his coronation.

--Cooter

This Job's for the Birds: Tower of London's New Ravenmaster

From the March 5, 2024, Chicago Tribune "A job that's really for the birds" by Jill Lawless, AP.

If an ancient prophesy is correct, then Michael "Barney" Chandler has the most important job in England.  The 56-year-old former Royal Marine is the new ravenmaster at the Tower of London.  It is his new job to be responsible for looking after the feathered protectors of the 1,000-year-old fortress.

According to legend, if the ravens leave the 11th century fortress beside the River Thames, its White Tower will crumble and the Kingdom of England will fall.

In the 17th century, King Charles II was told of the prophesy and decreed that there must always be six ravens at the tower.

--DaCoot

Found: One English King's Remains Under a Parking Lot-- Part 2

Skeletal analysis showed that the individual was male, in late 2-s to early 30s.  Richard III was 32 when he was killed.  Trauma to the skeleton shows death was the result of one or two wounds to the back of the skull that could have been made by a sword or halberd (a type of ax).  This is consistent with accounts of his death..

The skeleton also had a number of non-fatal injuries.

Richard III reigned for two years until his death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, the last major dynastic fight in the War of the Roses that had been fought on and off since 1455.  Richard was the last English king to be killed in battle and his death brought to an end three centuries of Plantagenet rule and ushered in the Tudors, starting with Henry VII and including the famous Henry VIII.

Richard III remains the prime suspect in the disappearance of his nephews. However, modern views of him are strongly influenced by Shakespeare's portrayal in his play, Richard III as a power-hungry, Machiavellian scoundrel who murders anyone who stands in his way to power.

Historians point out that he was a progressive leader who led the way for a system of bail and the presumption of innocence until found guilty.

Maybe Not So bad of a Guy.  --DaCoot