FOR WHOM THE BELL CHIMES

[Jeff Thorpe]

FOR WHOM THE BELL CHIMES

© Jeff Thorpe 11 October 2023

Tis a fascinating tale that involves the Lutine Bell
from 1799 and a dreadful shipping disaster,
frigate Lutine sunk, two-five-nine met the death knell
one survivor only, left with life thereafter.

Captain Lancelot Skynner commanded HMS Lutine
on the voyage from Yarmouth, Hamburg bound,
full freight of bullion and coin, value quite obscene
aid for Hamburg’s banks, status utterly unsound.

One night out, the ship foundered in a heavy gale
drawn on to a sandbank and completely wrecked,
shifting shoals, strong currents saw salvage attempts fail
little precious cargo obtainable to collect.

Lloyds of London had insured the treasure on the vessel
and their repute cemented with payment of the claim,
two weeks after the tragedy with no attempt to wrestle
despite at the time, their largest ever payout in the frame.

Decades later in 1858, the Lutine ship’s bell was found
in one of sporadic re-claim efforts at the wreck site,
at present housed at Lloyds, though seldom making any sound
a crack in the bell negating a once oft repeated rite.

That ritual saw the bell rung once or twice
once when a ship was lost, twice on her safe return,
Lloyds as Insurer with obvious interest in maritime advice
while brokers and underwriters too, had clear concern.

The bell is only now tolled on ceremonial occasions
King Charles’ coronation being the most up to date,
if it could speak, its words would be worthy communications
and doubtless see many theories activate.