FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K


REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For November 14, 2003




THE BANK OF BERMUDA LIMITED
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)


6 Front Street
Hamilton HM 11
Hamilton HM DX, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)


                     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

  Form 20-F X   Form 40-F    
   
   
 

                     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ___

                     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ___

                     Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

  Yes     No X  
   
   
 

                     If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-   N/A   

THE BANK OF BERMUDA LIMITED

                     On November 14, 2003, The Bank of Bermuda Limited (the “Bank”) sent a letter to its shareholders (the “Shareholder Letter”) with regard to the HSBC Holdings plc proposal (“HSBC Proposal”) pursuant to which HSBC Holdings plc will acquire the Bank. A copy of the Shareholder Letter is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 6-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

  Exhibit Index

  
  99.1 Shareholder Letter summarizing the HSBC Proposal, dated as of November 14, 2003.



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SIGNATURES

                     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  
THE BANK OF BERMUDA LIMITED
   By: /s/ Alison J. Satasi
     
      Name:
Title: 		Alison J. Satasi
Head of Investor Relations

Date: November 14, 2003