The Story Behind the Lucea Clock Tower
If an order was delivered to you in error, would you keep it?
Lucea Clock Tower, Hanover Jamaica
That 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!
About Marcia Mayne
Marcia Mayne travels a world full of books, music, art, fun people and great food. She raves about them constantly. Currently, she is journeying through Jamaica, her home country, to discover the places she missed.
I agree with you, Marcia
Beautiful story…
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Nightmare – Mimic
Thanks, Muza-chan!
Twitter: usedyorkcity
says:
Haha, what a great mistake! To bad for St. Lucia!;-)
Jess recently posted..NYC’s Most Iconic Landmark: The Empire State Building
I know. I’d really like to see what St. Lucia got instead.
Twitter: SophieR
says:
Fabulous story, and gorgeous clocktower.
Sophie recently posted..A Garden with a View
It’s quite a story and clock tower for sure, Sophie!
Twitter: atasteoftravel
says:
Great story! There’s one word that sums it up for me…fate!
jenny recently posted..The Children of Jordan’s Al-Amir Village.
So true, Jenny. It was definitely a confluence of events that brought the clock to Lucea.
I’d definitely keep the clock tower
Thanks for this bit of trivia.
jill recently posted..Traveling to Korea Is Easy – Make It Even Easier
You’re welcome, Jill. It’s quite a striking clock, one that’d be hard to part with.
Twitter: elizobihfrank
says:
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.
Twitter: culturetripper
says:
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.
Lesley Peterson recently posted..ArtSmart Roundtable: Is that a Buddha in your backpack?
It’s quite an eye catching design, for sure. There’s no way to miss it when you’re in the town
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.
Twitter: ItalianNotes
says:
I really like stories that make otherwise rather ordinary things stand out as something special.
Italian Notes recently posted..Baked vegetable recipes: Fennel and tomato gratin
Me too, Mette. These stories give them significance.
Yes, I wonder what the St. Lucians thought. Great story.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..Living in the Tourist Zone
I keep forgetting to check with my St. Lucian friends
Twitter: worldbooktravel
says:
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
Mary recently posted..Five Fun and Free Things to do in Tampa with Kids
They were, Mary. It was delivered to the right address after all.
Twitter: GoneWithFamily
says:
What a great story! Love the clock tower – it looks like it’s watching over town!
Lisa recently posted..This is My Canada
That’s so true! I hadn’t thought of it but you’re right — it is watching over the town.
Twitter: travelnwrite
says:
Okay, this one made me laugh! Great story and you told it so well!
Jackie Smith recently posted..Oh, the stories they could tell. . .
It is a funny story, Jackie. Makes me wonder how many things got mis-sent or presumed lost back then.
Sounds like they chose well as it’s still standing, and looking very fine.
Hakea recently posted..empathy hotline
Oh yeah, they chose very well.
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.
Twitter: artisdiary
says:
Fascinating story of the watch!! And it is beautiful, no wonder the people fell in love with it! Thanks for this post Marcia
Arti recently posted..Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan
You’re welcome, Arti. Yes, it’s a fascinating story.
An honest mistake that led to a place’s landmark.
Yes, a happy accident and a great landmark.
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.
Lovely story .
Enjoyed the share. Thanks .
You’re welcome, Purnima. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Twitter: Laurel_Robbins
says:
Very cool story. I can understand why Lucea wanted to keep the clock, it’s beautiful!
Laurel recently posted..Whale Watching in St Lucia, South Africa
That it is, Laurel. They made the right decision.
Twitter: vangrizz
says:
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.
Steve recently posted..New Year’s Eve at the Space Needle – What You Need to Know
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?
Twitter: eurotravelista
says:
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
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..How Gutenberg Changed the World in Mainz
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?
What an interesting story.. and a quaint design!
You’re right, Andrew. It is quaint.
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.
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.
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.
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.