Fresnoy Redoubt

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.

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

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. Ħamrun: PEG Ltd. 1: 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
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