Malta

FORT REPORT – MALTA MARCH 2008 - Geoff Hallett

 

The following places are currently off limits to the public, Forts Tigne, Cambridge, and  St. Angelo. The former is part of a massive new development called Tigne Point and the fort itself is being restored with public access likely in 2012. From what can be seen the eighteenth century fort will emerge in a much improved state but many of the later accretions, including those of the Victorian era may be suppressed. The premises will probably be given over to public entertainment, restaurants and bars, but the developers agents could only say that it is being restored. That restoration is taking place may be ascertained from the adjacent images.

 

Fort Cambridge is in the care of another developer, and the Hotel Excelsior, of which it provided the swimming pool has disappeared. The agents office could not be located on our visit but Mario Farrugia of the Malta Heritage Trust says that eventually the fortress will emerge in a better state. At present it is inside a works compound but there is no evidence of any damage to its structure.

Fort St Angelo appears unchanged but is now closed to the public indefinitely, Group 4 security guard the main gate. The Knights of St John have been granted the site provided on condition that they fully restore it. It looks as if access may be denied for sometime possibly years.

Another fort with apparently no or very restricted access is Fort Manoel, walls and gates now close off access to the ditch. Although we were told the fort remains the home of the Malta Yacht Club there is too much scaffolding to admit much social activity.

 

 

Events at Fort St Elmo are also limited. The tourist office had a notice advising of the cancellation of the next proposed event. The site is now the local police academy. It is in a poorer state than when we last saw it six years ago.

 

 

The Victorian and Edwardian barracks at St Georges and Pembroke remain in modern use both as houses and colleges. Between the two sites lies the remains of Pembroke Battery where the A1 9.2” gun emplacement remains in good condition and is accompanied by a still readable story board. The condition of the site in the middle of a housing estate is incongruous but pleasing. The Maltese do appear to be keen to preserve their heritage whether it is vernacular or resulting from colonialisation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This brings us to Fort Rinella and the Saluting Battery at Valletta, both in the care of the Malta Heritage Trust. Both sites are prospering. The former has an increasing range of displays, including a rare Watkins Position Finder,  and souvenirs including a new (2007) video which impressively details the development and history of the 100 ton gun. Amongst the treats on the video is the firing of this monstrous weapon.  Firings of smaller weapons can currently be seen at Rinella and the Saluting Battery. The latter provides a ‘noon day gun’ firing of a 32 pdr, one of 8 mounted smooth bores currently on the platform.