The Żabbar Batteries and Redoubt ( mt, Batteriji u Ridott ta' Ħaż-Żabbar) 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 facil ...

and a

redoubt A redoubt (historically redout) is a fort or fort system usually consisting of an enclosed defensive emplacement outside a larger fort, usually relying on earthworks, although some are constructed of stone or brick. It is meant to protect soldi ...

Żabbar Żabbar ( mt, Ħaż-Żabbar, ), also known as Città Hompesch, is a city in the South Eastern Region of Malta. It is the sixth largest city in the country, with a population of 15,404 as of March 2014. Originally a part of Żejtun, Żabbar was gr ...

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 ...

, 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 formed part of a chain of batteries, redoubts and entrenchments encircling the French positions in Marsamxett 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 ...

Description and history

Żabbar was the closest Maltese city to the French-occupied harbour fortifications, and it was repeatedly bombarded from the

Cottonera Lines The Cottonera Lines ( mt, Is-Swar tal-Kottonera), also known as the Valperga Lines ( mt, Is-Swar ta' Valperga), are a line of fortifications in Bormla and Birgu, Malta. They were built in the 17th and 18th centuries on higher ground and further o ...

. The inhabitants barricaded the streets and built batteries and a redoubt to protect the city from an attack. The fortifications of Żabbar consisted of: *a battery near the

parish church A parish church (or parochial church) in Christianity is the church which acts as the religious centre of a parish. In many parts of the world, especially in rural areas, the parish church may play a significant role in community activities, ...

, which was armed with two cannons *a battery blocking the road to the

Notre Dame Gate The Notre Dame Gate, also known as the Notre Dame de la Grace Gate ( it, Porta della Maria Vergine delle Grazie), the Cottonera Gate, the Żabbar Gate ( mt, Il-Mina ta' Ħaż-Żabbar) or ''Bieb is-Sultan'' ( Maltese for "King's Gate"), is the mai ...

*a battery and a redoubt blocking the southwest flank of the village. The redoubt was of the ''pietra a secco'' type, similar to one found at

Saint Agatha's Tower Saint Agatha's Tower ( mt, Torri ta' Sant'Agata), also known as the Red Tower ( mt, Torri l-Aħmar), Mellieħa Tower ( mt, Torri tal-Mellieħa) or Fort Saint Agatha ( mt, Forti Sant'Agata), is a large bastioned watchtower in Mellieħa, Malta. It w ...

. The batteries were fitted with underground shelters or were covered over to protect the gun crews. They fell under the command of Clemente Ellul, and his deputies Giuseppe Cachia and Giuseppe Ellul. Like the other French blockade fortifications, the Żabbar Batteries and Redoubt were probably demolished soon after the end of the blockade. No traces of the actual batteries or redoubt can be seen today, but some buildings which had been incorporated into the redoubt, including a windmill, still exist.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zabbar Batteries and Redoubt Batteries in Malta Redoubts in Malta Żabbar 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