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The small Manoel Island in the Marsamuxett Harbour had
always been a threat to the security of Valletta. An enemy battery mounted
on it could have bombarded the city and seriously damaged the bastion of St
Michael on the right of the Valletta land front.
In about 1569 an anonymous writer suggested placing a tall cavalier whose
guns could sweep the ground in front of the Valletta defences. Whilst the
project was not carried forward, various cases were made to fortify the
small island.
After various plans and subsequent modifications had been proposed, in September
1723 the foundation stone was laid and work went ahead for a small squarish
fort with four corner bastions. Whilst some of its guns could be used to
cover the ground in front of St Michael's bastion it was primarily intended
to be a coast fort securing the waters of Marsamuxett.
Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena raised the necessary funds for the new fort,
which was to be named Fort Manoel and destined to become one of the most
beautiful forts on the island. The date on the magnificent Baroque gate is
1726 and the marble slab in the chapel is inscribed 1755.
The British continued to use this fort and with time updating its weaponry
up until July 1906 when it had been recommended that the guns of the fort,
which consisted of the three 12-prs. plus 6-pr. QF guns, should all be
removed.
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