Fresnoy Redoubt
Ridott ta' Fresnoy
Birżebbuġa, Malta
Coordinates35°49′0.6″N 14°32′9.8″E / 35.816833°N 14.536056°E / 35.816833; 14.536056
TypeTour-Reduit
Site history
Built1715–1716
Built byOrder of Saint John
MaterialsLimestone
FateDemolished

Fresnoy Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Fresnoy), also known as Kalafrana Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Kalafrana), was a tour-reduit in Birżebbuġa, Malta. It was built by the Order of Saint John in 1715–1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands.[1] It was demolished in 1897.

History

Fresnoy Redoubt was built in 1715–1716 as part of a chain of fortifications that defended Marsaxlokk Bay, which also included three other redoubts, the large Saint Lucian Tower, two smaller De Redin towers, seven batteries and three entrenchments.[2] The nearest fortifications to Fresnoy Redoubt were Elminiech Battery to the west and Balbani Battery to the east.

Fresnoy Redoubt was one of four tour-reduits built in Malta, with the other three being Spinola Redoubt, Vendôme Tower and Marsalforn Tower. It had a semi-circular front, and a redan on the landward side, all of which were pierced by musketry loopholes.[3]

The redoubt was demolished by an order given by the Public Works Department on 22 February 1897.[4] Its site is now occupied by part of the Malta Freeport.[5] Other sources say it is occupied by Villa Pisana.[6]

References

  1. ^ Zammit, Vincent (1984). "The Order's 18th Century Fortifications". Civilization. 1. Ħamrun: PEG Ltd: 170.
  2. ^ "Vendôme Tower" (PDF). Mare Nostrum. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  3. ^ Spiteri, Stephen C. (10 April 2010). "18th Century Hospitaller Coastal Batteries". MilitaryArchitecture.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  4. ^ "Birżebbuġa". duluri.wordpress.com (in Maltese). 13 April 2011. Archived from the original on 14 December 2015.
  5. ^ "About Birzebbuga". birzebbuga.com. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  6. ^ https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/54205/1/Batterji%20u%20Ridotti%20%282%29.pdf[bare URL PDF]
Categories