The Sliema Batteries ( mt, Batteriji ta' Tas-Sliema) were a series of

artillery batteries In military organizations, an artillery battery is a unit or multiple systems of artillery, mortar systems, rocket artillery, multiple rocket launchers, surface-to-surface missiles, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, etc., so grouped to faci ...

Sliema Sliema ( mt, Tas-Sliema ) is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta in the Districts of Malta#Northern Harbour District, Northern Harbour District. It is a major residential and commercial area and a centre for shopping, bars, dining, a ...

Malta Malta ( , , ), officially the Republic of Malta ( mt, Repubblika ta' Malta ), is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago, between Italy and Libya, and is often considered a part of Southern Europe. It lies ...

, that were built by Maltese insurgents during the

French blockade French (french: français(e), link=no) may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to France ** French language, which originated in France, and its various dialects and accents ** French people, a nation and ethnic group identified with France ...

of 1798–1800. They were the first in a chain of batteries, redoubts and entrenchments encircling the French positions in

Marsamxett Marsamxett Harbour (), historically also referred to as Marsamuscetto, is a natural harbour on the island of Malta. It is located to the north of the larger Grand Harbour. The harbour is generally more dedicated to leisure use than the Grand Ha ...

and the

Grand Harbour The Grand Harbour ( mt, il-Port il-Kbir; it, Porto Grande), also known as the Port of Valletta, is a natural harbour on the island of Malta. It has been substantially modified over the years with extensive docks (Malta Dockyard), wharves, and ...

. The batteries were built by

Vincenzo Borg Vincenzo Maria Borg ( mt, Ċensu Maria Borg, 1773 – 18 July 1837), also known by his nickname Brared (or ''Braret''), was a Maltese merchant who was one of the main insurgent leaders during the French blockade of 1798–1800. He was a lieutena ...

. The following batteries are known to have existed: *Imrabat Battery: This was armed with two or four mortars. It had an underground casemate (similar to the one at

Għargħar Battery Għargħar Battery ( mt, Batterija tal-Għargħar), also known as Ta' Ittuila Battery ( mt, Batterija ta' Ittuila) and Ta' Xindi Battery ( mt, Batterija ta' Xindi), was an artillery battery in present-day San Ġwann, Malta, built by Maltese ins ...

) and a gun crew shelter. It was surrounded by extensive walls and had a bastion. * Ischina Battery: This was a small battery equipped with an 18-pounder, and was situated in a field known as ''ta' Xini''. It was possibly located at Fond Għadir, close to where

Sliema Point Battery Sliema Point Battery ( mt, Batterija tal-Ponta ta' Tas-Sliema), also known as Fort Sliema ( mt, Il-Fortizza ta' Tas-Sliema), is an artillery battery in Sliema, Malta. It was built by the British between 1872 and 1876. The battery stands on the pe ...

was later built. Vincenzo Borg often stood guard at this battery. *Sqaq Kappara Battery: This battery overlooked and bombarded

Fort Manoel Fort Manoel ( mt, Forti Manoel or ''Fortizza Manoel'') is a star fort on Manoel Island in Gżira, Malta. It was built in the 18th century by the Order of Saint John, during the reign of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, after whom it i ...

. *Six walled positions along present day Main Street, including two batteries at Għar il-Lembi, armed with two and three guns. Other batteries known as ''tal-Blat'' and ''ta' Sbiese'' also existed. The Sliema batteries still existed in 1811, but like the other French blockade fortifications, they were dismantled, possibly sometime after 1814. No traces of the batteries can be seen today.

References

Batteries in Malta Sliema Military installations established in 1798 Demolished buildings and structures in Malta French occupation of Malta Vernacular architecture in Malta Limestone buildings in Malta 1798 establishments in Malta 18th-century fortifications 18th Century military history of Malta {{Malta-struct-stub