One thing the Tower of London is known for is the ravens. They've been inhabiting the castle since it was first built, but nobody is sure why. Some think they were drawn by the food the refuse and executions provided, some think they were actually brought in to dramatize the site.
As to the legend that grew from that, most attribute it to royal astronomer John Flamsteed and King Charles II. In 1675 Charles II was trying to do astronomy with Flamsteed and was angered that the ravens kept pooping on the telescopes and getting in the way. The conversation that supposedly followed was:
"These ravens must go!" Charles said.
"But, Sire, it is very unlucky to kill a raven," replied Flamstead, "If you do that the Tower will fall and you will lose your kingdom, having only just got it back!"
Charles, being a pragmatist, thought for a moment and said: "The Observatory must go to Greenwich and the ravens can stay in the Tower."
And since then there must be at least six ravens in the tower or "the Crown will fall and Britain with it." Six of them are kept on site with their wings clipped, though they went out of their way to stress they had the run of the Tower and were treated extremely well.
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