If an order was delivered to you in error, would you keep it?Lucea Clock Tower, Hanover JamaicaThat was the question the residents of Hanover had to answer when they received this clock instead of the one they ordered. The mistake wasn’t theirs of course. It seems that the captain of the ship that was taking the clock they received, a gift from Germany to the people of the island of St. Lucia, got confused and delivered it to Lucea instead of St. Lucia.It was an honest mistake on the captain’s part. Lucea, the capital of the parish of Hanover, had been known at various times as Sant Lucea, St. Lucia, and St. Lucea. I’m not sure what it was being called then but I can easily see how the captain could’ve become confused, especially since Jamaica was probably better known than St. Lucia.Unfortunately, for the St. Lucians, the people of Lucea fell in love with the clock, which was designed to resemble the helmet worn by the German Royal Guard, and decided to keep it — the one they had ordered was more modest — and took up a collection to pay for the difference in cost. A German landowner paid for the tower and the clock was installed in 1817. It is an eye catching landmark that seems has been watching over the town of Lucea for almost 200 years.No word on what the St. Lucians thought of the Hanoverians’ highjacking of their clock or if theirs still stands.While most towns in Jamaica still have their clock tower, none has as fascinating a history as the one in Lucea.This is my submission to Travel Photo Thursday, which is organized by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to head over and check out more photos from locations around the world.This week, I’m also linking up with the Friday Daydreaming series organized by Becca at Rwethereyetmom. Hope to see you there!
Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover somebody that really understands what they’re talking about on the web. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people must check this out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised you are not more popular given that you certainly have the gift.
It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Interesting tidbit of history! I can definitely see how this could be confusing. There are other islands in the Caribbean that I think this could happen to also 🙂
OK, I’ll be the guy with no tact who says that I don’t actually like the look of the tower. It does represent a German helmet very well…that’s just not the look I’d want on my clock tower. I do however, absolutely love the story of how Lucea ended up with the clock. That easily trumps any aesthetic concerns I might have with the tower.
Hahaha, taste is personal, Steve. Thing is, back then, Lucea had a sizable German population so I’m sure it appealed to them.
It’s a great story though, isn’t it?
Thanks for your comment at One Man’s Wonder! I’m glad it’s prompted me to drop in and see your beautiful blog.
I’ve got to get to Jamaica; so many fascinating stories like this one. God willing… BTW, I have been to St. Lucia and found it wonderful.
Keep up the good work, my friend! I look forward to following.
Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover somebody that really understands what they’re talking about on the web. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people must check this out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised you are not more popular given that you certainly have the gift.
Thank you, Gertrude. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Some things have the most astounding reality about themselves; like this clock tower. Interesting share.
You’re so right, Fatima. Ordinary everyday things can hold interesting history. Thanks for your comment.
It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Demetra. Glad you find this useful.
Thanks for your comment.
Hey Marciam,
A fascinating story!!! The pictures are done in a brilliant manner. Thanks for the share.
You’re welcome, Aayna. Glad you like it.
What an interesting story.. and a quaint design!
You’re right, Andrew. It is quaint.
Interesting tidbit of history! I can definitely see how this could be confusing. There are other islands in the Caribbean that I think this could happen to also 🙂
You’re right, Debbie. The names are used over and over so it can get a bit confusing.
Maybe the clock ended up in the right place after all, eh?
OK, I’ll be the guy with no tact who says that I don’t actually like the look of the tower. It does represent a German helmet very well…that’s just not the look I’d want on my clock tower. I do however, absolutely love the story of how Lucea ended up with the clock. That easily trumps any aesthetic concerns I might have with the tower.
Hahaha, taste is personal, Steve. Thing is, back then, Lucea had a sizable German population so I’m sure it appealed to them.
It’s a great story though, isn’t it?
Very cool story. I can understand why Lucea wanted to keep the clock, it’s beautiful!
That it is, Laurel. They made the right decision.
Lovely story .
Enjoyed the share. Thanks .
You’re welcome, Purnima. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Hi Marcia;
Thanks for the Lucea Clock trivia and the walk through Peppermint memories. Always refreshing to read your blog.
Have a treasure-filled day, today and always!
Klassi K
Thanks, Klassikurvz. Glad I’m able to find my blog refreshing.
Thanks for stopping by.
An honest mistake that led to a place’s landmark.
Yes, a happy accident and a great landmark.
Fascinating story of the watch!! And it is beautiful, no wonder the people fell in love with it! Thanks for this post Marcia 🙂
You’re welcome, Arti. Yes, it’s a fascinating story.
I love these little quirky stories in the history of places to visit. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Mr. TWS. This is definitely a quirky story.
Sounds like they chose well as it’s still standing, and looking very fine.
Oh yeah, they chose very well.
Okay, this one made me laugh! Great story and you told it so well!
It is a funny story, Jackie. Makes me wonder how many things got mis-sent or presumed lost back then.
What a great story! Love the clock tower – it looks like it’s watching over town!
That’s so true! I hadn’t thought of it but you’re right — it is watching over the town.
Such an interesting story and what a great looking clock. I can totally see a helmet. I guess Jamaica was meant to have this clock 🙂
They were, Mary. It was delivered to the right address after all.
Yes, I wonder what the St. Lucians thought. Great story.
I keep forgetting to check with my St. Lucian friends
I really like stories that make otherwise rather ordinary things stand out as something special.
Me too, Mette. These stories give them significance.
Thanks for your comment at One Man’s Wonder! I’m glad it’s prompted me to drop in and see your beautiful blog.
I’ve got to get to Jamaica; so many fascinating stories like this one. God willing… BTW, I have been to St. Lucia and found it wonderful.
Keep up the good work, my friend! I look forward to following.
You’re welcome, Jeffrey. Thanks for visiting. I’m glad you like my blog.
Hope you make it to Jamaica one of these days.
What an unusual feature! Based on a helmet, that explains it. I also like the combination clock and window that combine to look like a keyhole.
It’s quite an eye catching design, for sure. There’s no way to miss it when you’re in the town
What a beautiful story… Good for them to have paid of the difference. 😉
Eliz
Thanks, Elizabeth. Guess it was the least they could do under the circumstances.
I’d definitely keep the clock tower 🙂 Thanks for this bit of trivia.
You’re welcome, Jill. It’s quite a striking clock, one that’d be hard to part with.
Great story! There’s one word that sums it up for me…fate!
So true, Jenny. It was definitely a confluence of events that brought the clock to Lucea.
Fabulous story, and gorgeous clocktower.
It’s quite a story and clock tower for sure, Sophie!
Haha, what a great mistake! To bad for St. Lucia!;-)
I know. I’d really like to see what St. Lucia got instead.
I agree with you, Marcia 🙂 Beautiful story…
Thanks, Muza-chan!