Maltese fortifications (6) : the British period

Abstract

The 19th century started with the Maltese, together with the British, still besieging the French troops inside the main fortifications of Malta. The French were in possession of one of the best defence systems that had been gradually built around the main harbours of any island. Beside Valletta and Floriana, the French were in possession of the three cities, surrounded by the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines and Forts Ricasoli, Manoel and Tigne. The Maltese in turn had built a number of well placed batteries which overlooked the French positions. With the help of the British soldiers and engineers a semicircle of batteries and entrenchments were built around the French fortifications. Meanwhile British galleys were blockading the French. No help could arrive and neither could the French send their own galleys to seek provisions. On September 5th, 1800 the French finally surrendered and subsequently that was the beginning of the British period. Immediately on acqumng the Maltese Island, the military authorities sought to continue to keep the fortifications in a good state. In fact we see that by December 10th of the same year, a report had already been prepared by General Sir Ralph Abercrombie. In this report Abercrombie stated that the fortifications surrounding the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour were in urgent need of repair and that they were to be fully manned. Even the bays of Marsaxlokk and St. Paul's were also important to the British. It seems that these bays were also used as harbours, because in the same report it was stressed that these had to be well fortified . It is to be remembered here that although the French had surrendered the Maltese Islands, the French fleet was still a formidable enemy to reckon with. Therefore the fortifications of the Maltese Islands had to be kept in good order.