Naval Dockyards Society

Exploring the civil branches of navies & their material culture

Malta

At Malta when the NDS visited in 2007 a development was planned for the Knights Templar’s storehouses next to the British naval No.1 Dock, which had lost its gates. The original façade would be conserved. Much C19 and C20 dockyard heritage has not been as well conserved as that dating from the Knights’ period because of low regard for naval history. Dockyard heritage is threatened because there is no current context. Whereas everyone once obtained their living from the sea, few people now use the water. The contribution of the dockyard is not obvious to younger generations because its heritage is hidden behind walls. The 2007 Malta Conference papers were published in Transactions of the Naval Dockyards Society, 5: Venice & Malta, ed. Ray Riley, Naval Dockyards Society, Portsmouth (2009).

Photographs were taken by David Davies in 2007.

Fort Manoel in Marsamxett harbour, built 1723–55. Image by J. D. Davies.

Fort Manoel in Marsamxett harbour, built 1723–55. Image by J. D. Davies.

 

Fort Manoel in Marsamxett harbour, built 1723–55. Image by J. D. Davies.

Knights Templars’ Storehouse, later Royal Naval Storehouse. Image by J. D. Davies.

 

C16 Fort St Elmo at the mouth of Grand Harbour, with Second World War towers. Image by J. D. Davies.

C16 Fort St Elmo at the mouth of Grand Harbour, with Second World War towers. Image by J. D. Davies.

 

Bighi Hospital, with bathing houses at sea level. Image by J. D. Davies.

Bighi Hospital, with bathing houses at sea level. Image by J. D. Davies.

 

NDS Dghajsa tour of Valletta Harbour. J. D. Davies.

NDS Dghajsa tour of Valletta Harbour. Image by J. D. Davies.