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 October 20, 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 October 20, 2003, The Bank of Bermuda Limited announced its financial
results for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. The press release with respect
to this matter is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 6-K and is incorporated
herein by reference. The summary financial data that was made publicly available
with respect to this matter is attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Form 6-K and is
incorporated herein by reference.

      Exhibit Index

            99.1        Press Release, dated October 20, 2003.

            99.2        Summary Financial Data for quarter ended September 30,
                        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/ William H. Scott
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  William H. Scott
                                              Title:  Head of Corporate Planning

Date: October 20, 2003


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