Historic Royal Navy bell goes on permanent display

Councillor Kevin Guy and Andrew McFarlane OBE unveiled the Dolphin Bell

A historic Royal Navy bell has gone on permanent display in the centre of Bath.

The Dolphin Bell - mounted on two brass dolphins from the sloop-of-war HMS Dolphin launched in 1882 - was officially unveiled at the Guildhall.

The display was set up to mark the city's long relationship with the Royal Navy.

Councillor Kevin Guy said the mascot is an "important tribute" to the Royal Navy's connection to the city.

'Enduring friendship'

The bell was the mascot of Bath’s White Ensign Old Comrades Association but was passed to the Bath Submariners Group in recent years.

The two dolphin mounts were presented to the White Ensign Association in 1941 by David Luce, whose father John Luce had commanded HMS Dolphin as a sail training brig at the Coronation Naval Review in 1902, celebrating the coronation of Edward VII.

As well as Bath's long-standing relationship with the Royal Navy, the bell also commemorates the granting of the Freedom of the City to the Royal Navy 25 years ago. Its full history is displayed alongside the bell.

It was unveiled by Cdre Andrew McFarlane OBE, the president of the Bath Submariners Group, and Mr Guy, leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Cdre McFarlane said: “We are thrilled that the council has agreed to display this historical mascot in the Guildhall, as a reminder of both the history and the enduring friendship between the Royal Navy, including the Submarine Service, and the people of Bath."

Mr Guy added: “This remarkable mascot is an important tribute to the naval community and the Royal Navy’s connection to our wonderful city.

"As a former member of the Royal Navy this continued connection with the senior service and Bath is something I am personally very proud of.

"I am therefore delighted that the Dolphin Bell has a permanent home in the Guildhall where residents and visitors can learn from and enjoy it.”

The Bath Submariners Group is an active association for serving and retired submariners in the Bath area, linked to the Submarine Family.