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Tower of London

By Laura Porter, About.com

10 of 10

Crown Jewels, Beefeaters, and Ravens

The Tower's Yeoman raven master, Derrick Coyle with one of the ravens

The Tower's Yeoman raven master, Derrick Coyle with one of the ravens

Image: © Natasha Marie Brown/HRP/newsteam.co.uk

Crown Jewels

The Tower of London is home to the world famous British Crown Jewels. They have been kept at The Tower since the 14th century and are still in use by the Queen and the royal family today. Amongst the jewels you will see the largest cut diamond in the world (530 carats), the Cullinan I, which sits on top of the Queen's Sceptre.

Beefeaters

The Tower of London tour guides are the Yeoman Warders who live at the Tower. They are better known as Beefeaters, which we think comes from when their job was to taste the king's food to check it wasn't poisoned. The Yeoman Warders are the experts on the Tower and are happy to answer your questions.

Ravens

The Ravens are one of the 'must sees' for a trip to the Tower of London. Legend says that if the ravens ever leave then the monarchy will fall, the White Tower at The Tower of London will crumble and a great disaster will befall England. Ever superstitious, we don't take any chances and Ravens have lived at the Tower since Charles II was told this tale. They are even protected by a royal decree. Each of the ravens has a color-coded leg band. Pick up the Raven identification leaflet so you can check their names.
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