Raven Society

"*The Raven Society, ladies and gentlemen, is on the cusp of a new dawn. We shall lurk in the shadows no longer.*"
—**Frances Gaunt** addressing the Raven Society.

The **Raven Society** is an underground extremist group that aims to overthrow the UK government and set up a fascist state.

## History

Little is known about the Society's history or it's founding. It has existed in the shadows for many years with the hope of someday overthrowing the government and establishing a fascist state. They have always been the rivals of the No Name League, who also wish to control the government to some extent.

## Throughout Pennyworth Series

### New Leadership

Harwood's leadership of the Raven Society was criticised by the government, who believed that the Society should be allowed to exist in the shadows but not cause too much fuss. It became apparent to the Prime Minister that Harwood's leadership would be a problem as he begins to escalate the Society's involvement with the public and their open criticism of the government. This eventually leads to Harwood's arrest at the end of *Pilot*for the Society's kidnapping of Esme Winikus and other political agendas.

Without leadership, the Society became disorganised and fearful of the future. Order was eventually restored when Frances Gaunt stepped up as leader, ushering in a new age for the Society wherein they could work more closely with the government and public.

When Harwood returns to the public eye, he returns to his position as leader of the Raven Society following Gaunt's resignation, she remains his closest advisor, however.

### Working with the No Name League

Under Gaunt's leadership, the Society became more open to working with the No Name League rather than against them and a meeting was arranged between Gaunt, Julian and Undine Thwaite. During the meeting the trio talked about peace and cooperation between the League and Society, but was revealed to be a set-up by Julian, who wished to use the meeting to assassinate Gaunt. With Daveboy hired for the task. These efforts were eventually foiled by Alfred Pennyworth, who killed Julian on behalf of the CIA.

The two would eventually work together once again in "Alma Cogan". With the threat of the general election looming over their heads — thanks to the Society's reinstatement of Lord Harwood —Undine and Harwood again schedule a truce between the two with the hopes of gaining as many seats run parliament as possible. Their efforts are initially successful, but are again foiled by Alfred in "Marianne Faithfull".

### Final Attempt

When all fails, they bring The Duke of Windermere into the country to take the crown. Next abduct The Queen to force parliament to hand over power to them. With the Queen, they trick the military to side with them for a bit of time.

Not giving up, Lord Harwood even planned or failure. Having a last battalion. The Old Guard.

## Known members

### Former members

* Lord James Harwood (leader; joined the Raven Union)
* Frances Gaunt (former pro tem leader; joined the Raven Union)
* Bet Sykes (joined the Raven Union)
* Peggy Sykes (joined the Raven Union)
* The Duke of Windermere (joined the Raven Union)
* The Duchess of Windermere
* Arthur Pennyworth (Old Guard Battalion; Raven Union)
* Mrs Darkness (deceased)
* Raven Society Grand Council members
* The Old Guard members

## Appearances

Season 1
* *Pilot*
* *Martha Kane*
* *Lady Penelope*
* *Shirley Bassey*
* *Cilla Black*
* *Julie Christie*
* *Sandie Shaw*
* *Alma Cogan*
* *Marianne Faithfull*

## Trivia

* Alfred Pennyworth referred to the Raven Society as a *"secret gestapo"*.