About Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica
The town of Lucea is in the parish of Hanover. And Hanover is by a square mile the smallest of three of the 14 parishes in Jamaica. Lucea is the capital of the parish and is a coastal town. Because it is in a quiet harbour, several interesting sites exist. Most people say they can walk out all of Lucea in one and a half hours, and from this estimation, you realize how small a geographical space is to explore. So, what is there to know about Lucea, Hanover, in Jamaica?
About Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica
Jamaica is an island known for its many native sayings. And to describe Lucea, we can definitively say Lucea is “mi likkle but me talawah!” Meaning we are small but mighty. Although the town of Lucea is so tiny, its history leading into 2023 is significant.
Lucea was the town supplying the island with most of its agricultural produce. And this is because of its location and harbour. The export crop then was the banana- until the 1960s when this changed.
Some More Historical Facts About Lucea
Fort Charlotte, Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica
As published by The Jamaica National Heritage Trust:
“Fort Charlotte, located in Lucea, in the parish of Hanover, was built in the mid-18th Century by the British to defend the most North Westerly section of the island. It was built during King George III’s reign in England and named after his consort, Charlotte. The British make the Fort with a barrack capable of housing 50 men. The Fort had 23 embrasures for 23 guns, 20 mounted.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the guns at the Fort were insufficient to guard the harbour, so in 1807, three 24-pounders on traversing carriages/ were put on the seaward side of the Fort.
The Fort, Lucea, Hanover, in Jamaica is of rectangular cut stone with several openings toward the sea. Inside the Fort are the remains of the circular base for the rotation of guns placed there so they could shoot from every possible angle. The Artillery Store still stands and is made of cut-stone. It has buttresses and a gable-ended roof. A section of the Fort currently forms part of the Rusea’s High School”—end quote.
The Story Of Lucea’s Clock Tower
Would you send back a package that was not yours? Well, after reading this tale about Lucea, Hanover, in Jamaica that happened in the early 1800s, let us know.
Marcia Mayne of Inside Journeys gives an accurate report of what took place in 1817 about Lucea’s Clock Tower:
“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. The ship’s captain taking the clock, 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, in Jamaica, had been known at various times as Sant Lucea, St. Lucia, and St. Lucea. Consequently, you can understand how the captain could’ve become confused, especially since Jamaica was more famous than St. Lucia”.
More About The History Of The Famous Lucea Clock
“Unfortunately for the St. Lucians, the people of Lucea fell in love with the clock, fashioned to resemble the helmet worn by the German Royal Guard. So they decided to keep it — the one they had ordered was more modest — and took up a collection to pay for the difference in cost.
Finally, a German landowner paid for the tower, and the clock/ was installed in 1817. It is an eye-catching landmark that has been watching over Lucea for almost 200 years. It is a incredibly unique clock in Lucea, Hanover, in Jamaica, a perfect spot to visit.
However, there has yet to be a 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”—end quote.
The Lucea, Hanover Parish Church
The church’s said; completion was in 1725. And this is because the first baptism was at that time. But, of course, there is no record of the construction date. Hence the date is affirmed to be 1725. The Hanover Parish church is said to be 297 years old; in 2025, it will be 300 years old. The church is still functional, and services are there weekly.
Below is a YouTube video about this beautiful church. I hope we spark interest in visiting Lucea to experience the town’s historic beauty.
Lucea, Hanover, A Tourist Destination
As a tourist destination, Lucea, Hanover is the place to be. The location of the town is close to Dunn’s River Falls, and visitors can book a tour. The tour includes:
- You can hike up the Falls, join a human chain, and climb up the natural formation of stone stairs to the top.
- Snorkelling in a cove and experience swimming among the corals
- Negril Beach Rick’s Cafe is also close to Lucea, Hanover, the perfect way to chill out and vibe while drinking a cold Red Stripe. And, if you are a thrill seeker, cliff jumping.
- Visit Bob Marley, the king of Reggae, his birth home nearby, in Nine Miles, Montego Bay, and his burial spot. You can visit if you are staying at the Grand Palladium Hotel. Another iconic treat is the Scotchies Jerk restaurant for lunch after touring.
- And more
Hotel Accommodations In Lucea
Consider staying at hotels, boutique hotels, villas, or rentals. The option not to book at any resort is you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a sleepy town that is not so sleepy. The history of Lucea, Hanover is enough to go sightseeing while getting acquainted with locals and enjoying some authentic Jamaican dishes at nearby eateries.
You can decide where to stay by choosing from any of these categories of accommodations:
- Star ratings
- Hotel offerings/amenities
- Types of hotels/ guest houses/villas, etc
- Theme accommodations/ golf, beach, romance, couples/singles
Conclusion
Whatever your preference when visiting the town of Lucea in Hanover, Jamaica, you will not be disappointed. The rich history, cultural sights and warmth of the Jamaican people are experiences to treasure.
Source:
1. https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/lucea_jamaica.html
2. http://www.jnht.com/site_fort_charlotte.php
3. https://insidejourneys.com/the-story-behind-the-lucea-clock-tower/
4. https://www.reservations.com/Hotels/lucea-jamaica
