Living Legends

'The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London' by Christopher Skaife

I've been in a bit of a flap over the past few months.  Three books that I, really, really, REALLY wanted to read were all due to come out in the same week in October and I was finding it hard to sit still until I got my hands on them.  Fortunately, October arrived and I've purchased and read the first of the tempting trio, 'The Ravenmaster' by Christopher Skaife.

'The Ravenmaster' by
Christopher Skaife
(4th Estate, 2018)

In 'The Ravenmaster', Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife lifts the trapdoor on life with the Tower of London's most famous residents: the ravens.  Legend has it that if the birds leave, then the kingdom and the Tower will fall.  It's the job of Skaife and his team to make sure that the current cohort of seven birds are so happy and healthy that they never do.  Unfortunately, at times the ravens themselves can have other ideas...  'The Ravenmaster' shines a spotlight on these extraordinary birds, interweaving details of their characters, habits and relationships with broader tales of their cultural significance, the history of their home and the practicalities of life with Britain's most famous birds.


I rather enjoyed 'The Ravenmaster'.  After the intensity of 'Soldier, Spy', it was just what I needed.  Charming, informative and enjoyable, it offered a tantalising behind-the-scenes snapshot of a lifestyle that I had never even considered.

The 'life in the day of' style format works really well and keeps the narrative from meandering too far away from these particular ravens.  I suspect that Skaife has enough material for 100 books after so many years looking after Her Majesty's feathered friends.  It must have been a challenge to decide what to include and what to save for book number two!  The attention to detail makes it easy to imagine the shifting look and mood of the Tower, from dawn until dusk, the birds themselves the only constant beyond the buildings and their bloody history.

The book also benefits from Skaife's obvious admiration of and affection for his charges.  They may cause him no end of trouble, even heartbreak, but they also bring an obvious joy.  All of these emotions come across in 'The Ravenmaster', making it all the more absorbing.  Yes, I did gasp in shock at a pivotal moment.  I also laughed at the ravens' mischief and sympathised with their long suffering keeper.  It's a rollercoaster ride worthy of any soap opera or tea time drama.

Overall, 'The Ravenmaster' is a great read for fans of history, mythology or ornithology.  It's enjoyable, dramatic and absorbing.  It's a fascinating bird's eye view, offering a new perspective on one of our most famous historical sites.

Now, what next..?

'The Ravenmaster' by Christopher Skaife was published in October 2018 by 4th Estate.  You can follow the man himself and see what the ravens are currently up to on Facebook and Twitter.