tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24139523508292805532024-02-21T02:37:40.328-08:00Le CracBuildings of the Order of St.John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, at the Convent and in the provinces.Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-28073472774608103592015-08-04T10:41:00.000-07:002015-08-04T10:51:33.577-07:00 Magistral Palace Armoury, VallettaThe Palace Armoury owes its origin to a Statute of Grand Master de la Sengle of 1555 which required that all arms and armour belonging to the Knights of St John were to become the property of the Common Treasury, to be maintained for the defence of the Convent. In 1604 Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt transferred the Order's Arsenal from Vittoriosa to the Magistral Palace in Valletta.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJruz-wq-FQz8v_i3GEn5m-fjQvCUNVhB5Acz0cTh6JsJEJ_6SKvJxRAfssiTHezYw06X3kicrbKLSC9XbFteOyuK8DaGbMozy61FkkIQPh19VFI6wjiIkUnS6_VueSCE98k348kSE-Wsb/s1600/testdigiScanLtd.com+Graham046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJruz-wq-FQz8v_i3GEn5m-fjQvCUNVhB5Acz0cTh6JsJEJ_6SKvJxRAfssiTHezYw06X3kicrbKLSC9XbFteOyuK8DaGbMozy61FkkIQPh19VFI6wjiIkUnS6_VueSCE98k348kSE-Wsb/s320/testdigiScanLtd.com+Graham046.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Armoury door, Magistral Palace</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Under the rule of Fra' Manuel Pinto de Fonseca (1741-1773) the Armoury moved into the magnificent first floor gallery in the Palace where it stayed until the modern era when the hall was taken over by the Maltese Parliament. In Pinto's day the Armoury contained arms for 25 000 men, but the procurators of the Common Treasury in 1763, directed that the Commandant of the Artillery was to clear the Palace Armoury of old and obsolete weapons, and that henceforth it was to be used only for new equipment. By the end of the 18th century the Armoury was used for the display of trophies and historic weapons. What had originated as an arsenal of weapons for use had become an Armoury of Honours (<i>Armeria di Rispetto)</i> to preserve and display the insignia of the Knight's victories.<br />
<br />
<div>
The arrival of Napoleon dealt the collection a grievous blow with so items dissapearing that today only 5 721 pieces are left on display in the former stables of the Palace. Although only a fraction of its original size the Armoury still contains an unprecedented collection of pieces of Italian, French, Spanish and German armour. The collection also holds pieces of Islamic and Ottoman arms and armour. Apart from the massed arms of the common soldiers the collection also holds some of the armour that had protected the nobility.</div>
<br />
The most splendid suits of armour date from about 1550-1620 and are connected with some of the Grand Masters and Grand Commanders of the Order. These dignitaries only wore armour of the highest quality, lavishly ornamented, commissioned at the best workshops in Europe. One of them is a complete suit of German armour, about 1550, reputed to have been worn by Grand Master Martin Garzes (1596-1601).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a1gxRuvYyX9QQHm74TcEfLmKLcU5ICIoEbnUuNJYlq26jv8FjTB7sM_FcjxsrU389pWOatFCojNxZaDxvgwtTOokN4kX2mTeXM9s1ixmwX9rmEqcRvYtcWIOymn4n9l3CJy6J4K1SH7D/s1600/DSC_8772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a1gxRuvYyX9QQHm74TcEfLmKLcU5ICIoEbnUuNJYlq26jv8FjTB7sM_FcjxsrU389pWOatFCojNxZaDxvgwtTOokN4kX2mTeXM9s1ixmwX9rmEqcRvYtcWIOymn4n9l3CJy6J4K1SH7D/s320/DSC_8772.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Armour worn by Grand Master Martin Garzes (1596-1601)</div>
<br />
There is a Milanese suit of armour, about 1580 that belonged to Grand Commander Fra' Jean Jacques de Verdelin (1590-1673) and was worn by him in the portrait now hanging in the National Gallery,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvUqMDAikjErthkLgf3L0r7qYt9vvhVKrLlBzD9ayDtsZC9zs6MoLeAWAI7KdYvh4H1hXH3by2mZTZqw1_dX_skjlluQCIIzeHkmxnUlFJ4fdigbIzisj4X0yjquQxrZJfkTghypQaLMk/s1600/DSC_8776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvUqMDAikjErthkLgf3L0r7qYt9vvhVKrLlBzD9ayDtsZC9zs6MoLeAWAI7KdYvh4H1hXH3by2mZTZqw1_dX_skjlluQCIIzeHkmxnUlFJ4fdigbIzisj4X0yjquQxrZJfkTghypQaLMk/s320/DSC_8776.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CE63WBekKATwCWIbGhJVk9q_6_k3bDBGnxskvyxbPLzoMona8XZCQhyhy_5ZdduFRVrk48aZ0D28fu9_NWv2a1hoYbnUU0H_HUdl4uN0SWUp_MkWux6UcQ_4AZFuv3aSvqIPXkzMle_q/s1600/DSC_8839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CE63WBekKATwCWIbGhJVk9q_6_k3bDBGnxskvyxbPLzoMona8XZCQhyhy_5ZdduFRVrk48aZ0D28fu9_NWv2a1hoYbnUU0H_HUdl4uN0SWUp_MkWux6UcQ_4AZFuv3aSvqIPXkzMle_q/s320/DSC_8839.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlY3AIXS9TW0c42zUcTJ-aSBIbBF2Y1xkx-Z6LrwVSXtMXymsFvVWZ4ehMf5b4nkta_DtJQeNv6-6Ky_vPr1BRg1OQxttlp0TdOUyE3Uf7EdhAAAIvT4WoC67mHInKXd_o96iS6Kd2yh0/s1600/DSC_8846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlY3AIXS9TW0c42zUcTJ-aSBIbBF2Y1xkx-Z6LrwVSXtMXymsFvVWZ4ehMf5b4nkta_DtJQeNv6-6Ky_vPr1BRg1OQxttlp0TdOUyE3Uf7EdhAAAIvT4WoC67mHInKXd_o96iS6Kd2yh0/s320/DSC_8846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Armour that belonged to Grand Commander Fra' Jean Jacques de Verdelin (1590-1673)</div>
<br />
The collection includes a suit of half armour with morion and round shield in the style of the famous armourer Pompeo della Chiesa of Milan, c 1550 traditionally associated with Grand Master Valette.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY7ZsJhYOUNhHxMTVOMpk_pqTE1sx_SksJ4o_qzuhI_GdPz11c6A606-K1qR2n5Qa3rsyVRolJVvFMXz-7RCSP3XQXFKA4AwyQrxAkVWw5d8Pc6vttwvTTxE6NgWXOaUoFllyZB_RCwfO/s1600/DSC_8831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY7ZsJhYOUNhHxMTVOMpk_pqTE1sx_SksJ4o_qzuhI_GdPz11c6A606-K1qR2n5Qa3rsyVRolJVvFMXz-7RCSP3XQXFKA4AwyQrxAkVWw5d8Pc6vttwvTTxE6NgWXOaUoFllyZB_RCwfO/s320/DSC_8831.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBo5VPELEmcR2-jxs5zsD4KkEOZkqvxhzDWm21n52WYefZgjy9K_ZSNEEwnBCKpgEAYNwR6WD3QkMpiPNDsd606rSNmTOW2mv2WRIBb9d4hLR6dBO1aCh1HfwfNDwtXT8Q0198QCSR5_3r/s1600/DSC_8836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBo5VPELEmcR2-jxs5zsD4KkEOZkqvxhzDWm21n52WYefZgjy9K_ZSNEEwnBCKpgEAYNwR6WD3QkMpiPNDsd606rSNmTOW2mv2WRIBb9d4hLR6dBO1aCh1HfwfNDwtXT8Q0198QCSR5_3r/s320/DSC_8836.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Armour associated with Grand Master Fra' Jean Pariso de Valette</div>
<br />
The most sumptuous suit of all is that of Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt (1601-1622) in which he was portrayed by Carravaggio. The Wignacourt armour formed a large garniture, a set of many pieces in a homogenous style, used for battle, tournament or display.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA3AF78VcZkeYRfTF2RE0IjDZbWCphAj8I9EEntJinceP2R-rpA5RI8kUSwd3ekfW6iqQiEsMQ2kdsXaZu_9wHKUJMyi0vX5Z1qpxsoogETuP8oy9Vw4SBVXRpuGshVhAYCygTvRNy7NE/s1600/DSC_8798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA3AF78VcZkeYRfTF2RE0IjDZbWCphAj8I9EEntJinceP2R-rpA5RI8kUSwd3ekfW6iqQiEsMQ2kdsXaZu_9wHKUJMyi0vX5Z1qpxsoogETuP8oy9Vw4SBVXRpuGshVhAYCygTvRNy7NE/s320/DSC_8798.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotUOCGmcm_8BA9YRC5weOSBGISZMai8T8sQDSduEH3-PsEXZaL9mV-155rJy3u5frRn8E9inGMDfd9oIfGFXWHoj2iiCyAnr4_vJzwjNsk_gQGevco00ZIROUcgNpO6GpsulDdcfOlAWx/s1600/DSC_8801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotUOCGmcm_8BA9YRC5weOSBGISZMai8T8sQDSduEH3-PsEXZaL9mV-155rJy3u5frRn8E9inGMDfd9oIfGFXWHoj2iiCyAnr4_vJzwjNsk_gQGevco00ZIROUcgNpO6GpsulDdcfOlAWx/s320/DSC_8801.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtROAYlO_boQeWiUYfuRgDmqjrdad-B0GfpIuNkoxgAvHMlkuVgWwo1t6MZqGHxTQRyooE3EdtZdssj1NrmFGD6Pr2eDh4OgE5G6O8tO88eBND_c0zjE-PRZ6Bl83sh8Pjj_pFeyxQZ49l/s1600/DSC_8807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtROAYlO_boQeWiUYfuRgDmqjrdad-B0GfpIuNkoxgAvHMlkuVgWwo1t6MZqGHxTQRyooE3EdtZdssj1NrmFGD6Pr2eDh4OgE5G6O8tO88eBND_c0zjE-PRZ6Bl83sh8Pjj_pFeyxQZ49l/s320/DSC_8807.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Armour that belonged to Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt (1601-1622)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of the horse armour belonging to the garniture only the chanfron is extant. in the Milanese style of about 1600, the surface of the armour is russeted, etched and gilded, and scales, floral and armourial motifs are appliqued.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCf0qq4pJpjWs6JufNTEW7AKy-wKJFgsbBYyqTQwlndVJ0bau61vq7DasiY3pS6wuLDIu9_o41IrM3rAwWaseTvsTQRReS2rqIUHUO3HjaMjuQrl5aclYQQ3juc1qmwrJi_6WXf9GeTKv/s1600/DSC_8794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCf0qq4pJpjWs6JufNTEW7AKy-wKJFgsbBYyqTQwlndVJ0bau61vq7DasiY3pS6wuLDIu9_o41IrM3rAwWaseTvsTQRReS2rqIUHUO3HjaMjuQrl5aclYQQ3juc1qmwrJi_6WXf9GeTKv/s320/DSC_8794.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The greater part of the collection consist of battle pieces, arms and armour from the brilliant period of the Order between 1560 and 1600. This is what makes the collection unique. There is little doubt that these pieces are the actual equipment of the numerous knights and soldiers who fought in the Order's wars.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of peaked or combed morions that were in general use by pikemen and musketeers survive in the Armoury.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdegX_H5jvIwMNEvhMERpSHi2fl7aC0tjxp2jX67P6oEePrkddJkzfdjTK-v-BkyAKWlxFQMyFEXVPkurvpESdKF9GePrahdrWjcw27sB3zMlwLwtWDY089dwMvO8s1-ONowYpaZCQwqR/s1600/DSC_8785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdegX_H5jvIwMNEvhMERpSHi2fl7aC0tjxp2jX67P6oEePrkddJkzfdjTK-v-BkyAKWlxFQMyFEXVPkurvpESdKF9GePrahdrWjcw27sB3zMlwLwtWDY089dwMvO8s1-ONowYpaZCQwqR/s320/DSC_8785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYp1b5OQWz_Uo6dONHNFjMdjM_1LvNKwVsWVW8m9ktDwsiuPTO98912MszqhhzGadMFDqkwX_tNvyr8VCw8FaC7MzljuqSeEvO2InfiE_VrubXjjLiM3KZinJbdu-5a065ygY6MRxxGB5/s1600/DSC_8812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYp1b5OQWz_Uo6dONHNFjMdjM_1LvNKwVsWVW8m9ktDwsiuPTO98912MszqhhzGadMFDqkwX_tNvyr8VCw8FaC7MzljuqSeEvO2InfiE_VrubXjjLiM3KZinJbdu-5a065ygY6MRxxGB5/s320/DSC_8812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Besides the morions the burgonet type of helmet, usually of buff, was very popular. There are also examples of the distinctive Savoyard helmet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cYpNiMLOJx2PrEWvO7W6914gx7sF8COJjc3zNc46JoBPwl8BXYFRLK0XpG-kcYYL6AsOeuWFHV3fmzZaesqleuU1KukgJnHLhL-VMGlP6jLFd8AZR5sxkEzUe5oyxt9hlw8JF4l-w0cX/s1600/DSC_8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cYpNiMLOJx2PrEWvO7W6914gx7sF8COJjc3zNc46JoBPwl8BXYFRLK0XpG-kcYYL6AsOeuWFHV3fmzZaesqleuU1KukgJnHLhL-VMGlP6jLFd8AZR5sxkEzUe5oyxt9hlw8JF4l-w0cX/s320/DSC_8858.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
There are many cuirasses, collars, pauldrons, vambraces and tassets for the use of the heavy infantry. Some of them are of smooth bright steel without decoration, others are adorned with simple embossed volutes. There is also a large group of armour pieces ornamented with Italian style etching with grotesque and scroll work, with sprays of leafwork, with medallions of ancient and allegorical figures, or, most numerous, with bands of armorial trophies. The same design is often repeated. The design is rarely found elsewhere so it can be assumed that these pieces of armour were commissioned by the Order, in large consignments from North Italian workshops, to be manufactured at the same time, in a common manner.<br />
<br />
There are also a few examples of a special form of light and movable cuirass, made of overlapping horizontal lames, called "anime", which were probably for galley service, and also waist-coat armour which imitates civilian doublets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN-4DglCtKFuMQQAGXRVefFYrHt_AxDdgTTvk2457oko5ryqLVIqgNQWEntW_uWaoQvFIFDGoZTzL4vnV8tqjXGGv29OfcQOLJWGehZmAaZ6C0i-PrWXxLLvJ4Huywzl4WonSRSSi27FV/s1600/DSC_8816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN-4DglCtKFuMQQAGXRVefFYrHt_AxDdgTTvk2457oko5ryqLVIqgNQWEntW_uWaoQvFIFDGoZTzL4vnV8tqjXGGv29OfcQOLJWGehZmAaZ6C0i-PrWXxLLvJ4Huywzl4WonSRSSi27FV/s320/DSC_8816.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Among the offensive arms, rapiers and staff weapons were in general use by the infantry in the field, on walls and in the galleys. Extremely long rapier blades were not only carried on horseback; they were effectively used in wall defence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyatKVZGUH76OQ09oxyyu-yDMdwlgn1j1Xcyt744f133ZNT73fOBBIHjSBnu45I_pv_Bx3DsmY2RwxqJ6hUp4h1d8twz74WFLTd4xAfKvLPfYuGqVI6I1uOpYc-5zOaoiyTJub8EBFn10/s1600/DSC_8868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyatKVZGUH76OQ09oxyyu-yDMdwlgn1j1Xcyt744f133ZNT73fOBBIHjSBnu45I_pv_Bx3DsmY2RwxqJ6hUp4h1d8twz74WFLTd4xAfKvLPfYuGqVI6I1uOpYc-5zOaoiyTJub8EBFn10/s320/DSC_8868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The firearms of the Armoury, flintlock guns and pistols of Italian, French, Spanish and German origin, are from the late 17th century. The early matchlock muskets, the basic weapon of the Great Siege, have vanished. Only rows of powder flasks and primers left over from the period remind us of the fame of Maltese musketeers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4PSdH5kzFchFeXq2qM66BLeY1DmbAgr4aOcrP-EUqWSy863mLSLr0uGcMeRXs6CQ0luDmxxoE-BSbdNPcNTsbKGyOWZVNqugL5luexYC29L4fOyeM5DdAh9HZoKHtjaS5j5ki_xmQ6-i/s1600/DSC_8861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4PSdH5kzFchFeXq2qM66BLeY1DmbAgr4aOcrP-EUqWSy863mLSLr0uGcMeRXs6CQ0luDmxxoE-BSbdNPcNTsbKGyOWZVNqugL5luexYC29L4fOyeM5DdAh9HZoKHtjaS5j5ki_xmQ6-i/s320/DSC_8861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcyim54es1Y2sP1QbK7Lbofkw4wL_T10vm3ezMVxnqXzpTYS_TuGcpwKt4hhNdKGAKTgLe4dLqz3iqNAhxg5U1iO7Rqn-oJieV0dGjil5OJhObTeBKRzV_d2oZr937xWNyKr206cpkTni/s1600/DSC_8864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcyim54es1Y2sP1QbK7Lbofkw4wL_T10vm3ezMVxnqXzpTYS_TuGcpwKt4hhNdKGAKTgLe4dLqz3iqNAhxg5U1iO7Rqn-oJieV0dGjil5OJhObTeBKRzV_d2oZr937xWNyKr206cpkTni/s320/DSC_8864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-31437257798137315122015-07-23T12:50:00.000-07:002015-07-23T12:50:14.986-07:00De Redin Towers, MaltaBetween 1658 and 1659 Grand Master Fra' Martin de Redin (1657-1660) erected thirteen watch towers around the coast of Malta.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklLnj1ETd052Q77z5aWsjKXbGpN0IZTRq4pmsKm-ldpm5azwFnnuYOhc7jhuxIAKxJLZ5dAaa7OUc6MVq_gA4QzXtD7bbXbLy5zcDl2FO859s60DQ94_ntw39ViX4oroIHetYBAURjysM/s1600/DSC_9691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklLnj1ETd052Q77z5aWsjKXbGpN0IZTRq4pmsKm-ldpm5azwFnnuYOhc7jhuxIAKxJLZ5dAaa7OUc6MVq_gA4QzXtD7bbXbLy5zcDl2FO859s60DQ94_ntw39ViX4oroIHetYBAURjysM/s320/DSC_9691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Madalena Tower</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The towers were not intended to prevent an enemy from landing. They were an early warning system. Bonfires were to be lit on their flat roofs as a warning of an invasion and a combination of flags and gunfire were developed to pass on other information to the populace.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOXtc-3n6RSVNOQmEmojwzeBrvENw4ZHQCGr-pLBe6kMpCADTjvMsdpN8_869ukRRwi7ZMuZMaRopv12At1E95VhVt9741HjO1Juzi75mAHBU4-24us2zTqWDNiALLlHgGFk01gXlOUmr/s1600/DSC_9595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOXtc-3n6RSVNOQmEmojwzeBrvENw4ZHQCGr-pLBe6kMpCADTjvMsdpN8_869ukRRwi7ZMuZMaRopv12At1E95VhVt9741HjO1Juzi75mAHBU4-24us2zTqWDNiALLlHgGFk01gXlOUmr/s320/DSC_9595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ghallis Tower</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Before the arrival of the Knights, the seas around Malta had been plied by pirates who frequently came ashore to pillage and plunder the countryside. Many of the older men were killed by the pirates who carried off the younger men and women to slavery on the Barbary coast.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN339psrwBegTQSvuJbA6DKWz36oJk3VNrgbHyhsel9HtVJm_egJ3tWcjqt9Vb1HGUeHYbh_DJaaYCZvLyaNZOslHaQlI5zppXLFNg1a79xscshONr12iR0WcGvt7aqsu6YTVTa1nfJZZD/s1600/DSC_9627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN339psrwBegTQSvuJbA6DKWz36oJk3VNrgbHyhsel9HtVJm_egJ3tWcjqt9Vb1HGUeHYbh_DJaaYCZvLyaNZOslHaQlI5zppXLFNg1a79xscshONr12iR0WcGvt7aqsu6YTVTa1nfJZZD/s320/DSC_9627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Qalet Marku Tower</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The de Redin Towers were all built to a similar plan. They were nine meters wide and approximately twelve meters high. Inside were two vaulted rooms, one on top of the other but with no internal access between them. Entry to the upper storey was by a wooden ladder. Although the walls are approximately three meters thick at the base, strong enough to withstand musket fire and an attack by a small raiding party, they would not have been able to withstand a sustained attack.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUSjC_oNS7dvFkpt0yFBr3bv2pfHDWDTwtD4zwqmLGYFsC-0s1C4wElNA4-3bXBh4D4VqJps8AUSMAIlYuAkLwXqq_Xof3A8AqJbZVsk91oBf2m0-P9LxNkqpLWvyZOeqW70vG2l9ANZ_/s1600/DSC_9671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUSjC_oNS7dvFkpt0yFBr3bv2pfHDWDTwtD4zwqmLGYFsC-0s1C4wElNA4-3bXBh4D4VqJps8AUSMAIlYuAkLwXqq_Xof3A8AqJbZVsk91oBf2m0-P9LxNkqpLWvyZOeqW70vG2l9ANZ_/s320/DSC_9671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Madalena Tower</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: left;">Each tower was guarded by four men who were paid for by the Universities of Notabile and Valletta and two guns provided by the Order. De Redin raised a regular Maltese corps of 4000 highly trained and well armed musketeers. In a letter to the Pope he wrote "The Maltese will defend their wives and children like lions. They are the best soldiers :strong, agile and fit to undergo the hardships of a campaign".<br />
</span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k7G7YaSefZa8d6GzLIzSdH315PwsYwGsgzURBiiuKisYTG__MYGAvquAqvbQpQBznnyJ6PapNpK6yg0Yau1mcHU7HFs00JsMJsKz5B9PkyQs0c12e0Udzidx3G5hrqhsomYtlz-T6k3P/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k7G7YaSefZa8d6GzLIzSdH315PwsYwGsgzURBiiuKisYTG__MYGAvquAqvbQpQBznnyJ6PapNpK6yg0Yau1mcHU7HFs00JsMJsKz5B9PkyQs0c12e0Udzidx3G5hrqhsomYtlz-T6k3P/s320/digiScanLtd.com+Graham262.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hamrija Tower</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9YY_CR7nBiGmQL41EYC22lFcxbX289yiSJ6OAf-WeSQVfVqHfO76xWlNe5On6V0xhkMuuqzGCBhLWiBFeEaYlN4ME1Hv6xHJ4s1NFuGmPaXIYtnxgImam_U0gfm9RFlISsHOGaFIMGHe/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9YY_CR7nBiGmQL41EYC22lFcxbX289yiSJ6OAf-WeSQVfVqHfO76xWlNe5On6V0xhkMuuqzGCBhLWiBFeEaYlN4ME1Hv6xHJ4s1NFuGmPaXIYtnxgImam_U0gfm9RFlISsHOGaFIMGHe/s200/digiScanLtd.com+Graham110.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grand Master Fra' Martin de Redin (1579-1660)</div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">
</span></div>
Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-37414720624538956542015-07-19T12:37:00.001-07:002015-07-19T12:37:58.823-07:00Sarria Church, FlorianaThe Sarria Church in Floriana, the suburb of Valletta, was designed by Fra' Mattia Preti and built by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa in 1678<br />
.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZPk6rwg_ww8aGP4IleVF3u-DY-tiPqaUQPVa9GtCU61Y754yzqiuTUsyvcL7Xho-fowKg9IUqVfi-fCJSMXhPbSRf0OoSmIsFfSZcrAyC_FoVeb7YER7KaqEqaExuPSzIz0Awq44GcGr/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZPk6rwg_ww8aGP4IleVF3u-DY-tiPqaUQPVa9GtCU61Y754yzqiuTUsyvcL7Xho-fowKg9IUqVfi-fCJSMXhPbSRf0OoSmIsFfSZcrAyC_FoVeb7YER7KaqEqaExuPSzIz0Awq44GcGr/s320/digiScanLtd.com+Graham304.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
The Sarria Church is said to have been a personal votive offering by Preti to commemorate the island's deliverance from a devastating outbreak of the plague. The church is circular in plan and it displays elements of both the Classical and the Baroque styles that were prevalent in Malta at that time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN4P8pdSTyaajJLUViCLtiA3QV-xpXku6m4ujG2mHRH0T1RFMZ1i7n8Tf4Ps7eJmDW26S2ki-_rVNzGAPBPPg5zwsq969vJkCQ8rN4eh4m3lI65ExhTR9ERFu7K72Bkrx1n5z5gXXee_R/s1600/DSC_9151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN4P8pdSTyaajJLUViCLtiA3QV-xpXku6m4ujG2mHRH0T1RFMZ1i7n8Tf4Ps7eJmDW26S2ki-_rVNzGAPBPPg5zwsq969vJkCQ8rN4eh4m3lI65ExhTR9ERFu7K72Bkrx1n5z5gXXee_R/s320/DSC_9151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mattia Preti was responsible for all the paintings in the Church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyD273BOb-TFylviqieTLQiIvoKs6eCq7wdFk2sBcbTuplSrDIZYtetjbmE2mvtPMnKxQFVDCF9vRu4dUG51TNzwN0RrKLfaVB4nsPU0LhATnUYzybQS6Zh6YU16pvYS2TYIyZ_YXeJhtR/s1600/DSC_9155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyD273BOb-TFylviqieTLQiIvoKs6eCq7wdFk2sBcbTuplSrDIZYtetjbmE2mvtPMnKxQFVDCF9vRu4dUG51TNzwN0RrKLfaVB4nsPU0LhATnUYzybQS6Zh6YU16pvYS2TYIyZ_YXeJhtR/s320/DSC_9155.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-33670119850231834222015-07-05T07:34:00.000-07:002015-07-05T10:09:50.547-07:00Clock at the Palace, VallettaThe ornamental clock on top the turret of the smaller courtyard of the Magistral palace in Valletta was created for Grand Master Fra' Manoel Pinto de Fonseca (1741-1773).<br />
<br />
The clock has four dials; the main one in the centre shows the hours and minutes; above it a smaller one registers the phases of the moon. To the left a small dial shows the month while another on the right shows the date.<br />
<br />
On top of the turret are four bronzes representing Moorish slaves holding hammers which they swing to strike the gongs. The central two figures are larger than those at the sides, as is the gong they strike with their hammers. On either side of the large central gong are two smaller ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9PDVOL8891WcOs9LXHfmhIm338pnyJ11TwByQ_7UuUOY54Jh5XqzvjrJmHheF5Uuuz4Ae-AteeNzv7EaWa1gpR-dQqZvhYbkRDqD_3fAFBH0cCZ7jD6B6SVUb09eQI7buM0dReaM1XyD/s1600/DSC_8751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9PDVOL8891WcOs9LXHfmhIm338pnyJ11TwByQ_7UuUOY54Jh5XqzvjrJmHheF5Uuuz4Ae-AteeNzv7EaWa1gpR-dQqZvhYbkRDqD_3fAFBH0cCZ7jD6B6SVUb09eQI7buM0dReaM1XyD/s320/DSC_8751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Moorish slaves on the sides strike every fifteen minutes, once each, twice each and three times each , until the hour is complete. Then they strike four times in rotation before the two larger figures take their turn striking the central gong, once, twice, etc according to the hour up to twelve.<br />
<br />
The turret is flanked by pilasters and volutes and surmounted by a broken pediment. The weights that wind the clock hang within the turret.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3XhBPYGY78utFCz8i8icRDHZR4F-3ohnxK5E274kFzLGVEKVNDDJIPwmZ99CpfJlFuKdF73CBlCZmMeNaJd5ycYbou4Fwwtpa-hwWJ8bCfkx0SJGt1oYersK8r3Pnrm3_8WdavC-3RDV/s1600/DSC_9302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3XhBPYGY78utFCz8i8icRDHZR4F-3ohnxK5E274kFzLGVEKVNDDJIPwmZ99CpfJlFuKdF73CBlCZmMeNaJd5ycYbou4Fwwtpa-hwWJ8bCfkx0SJGt1oYersK8r3Pnrm3_8WdavC-3RDV/s320/DSC_9302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The clock first started to work on Tuesday 22 June, 1745 and has done so ever since.<br />
<br />
The position of the clock was chosen carefully, from its high position on the turret it's chimes could be heard across the city.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-64146808229878970602015-07-04T04:29:00.000-07:002015-07-04T04:29:52.683-07:00Dwerja Tower, GozoThe Dwerja tower (also known as Qawra tower) was completed in 1652 during the reign of Grand Master Fra' Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar (1636-1657) but it was built at the expense of the Universitas of Gozo (the local government). The tower formed part of the network of coastal protection of the Maltese islands and commands views over the sea passage from North Africa to Sicily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDc4vi82s9_Snz8gGBRkwJ1P6fg_gX5bCJMBh1q8_N7Kf7lzSC0I7JW_6K0UZcXlY8jyKKSAs-Z96rh-sb6_3rvHZXt_8egOLlnuNDLVm3Q3DzUSVQpra3yLNgKMrZ9Km1XNSEqvAPeC1R/s1600/DSC_9051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDc4vi82s9_Snz8gGBRkwJ1P6fg_gX5bCJMBh1q8_N7Kf7lzSC0I7JW_6K0UZcXlY8jyKKSAs-Z96rh-sb6_3rvHZXt_8egOLlnuNDLVm3Q3DzUSVQpra3yLNgKMrZ9Km1XNSEqvAPeC1R/s320/DSC_9051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dwerja tower also overlooks Fungus Rock, famous for its rare and much prized medicinal plant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5E0tlhdTJi6RRM6IIitMMX2Lu9zr1rnAd5sxMavoGa6dtylIpELI6B25zzbEGQoO3ddXmv_A5wUaxdqXt-tHUDiIh3H4kWW4sSobrTyFTVjyLD3swDSP5kP_CdiVXWCvHNLyDw2L3RZ-/s1600/DSC_9023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5E0tlhdTJi6RRM6IIitMMX2Lu9zr1rnAd5sxMavoGa6dtylIpELI6B25zzbEGQoO3ddXmv_A5wUaxdqXt-tHUDiIh3H4kWW4sSobrTyFTVjyLD3swDSP5kP_CdiVXWCvHNLyDw2L3RZ-/s320/DSC_9023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The tower is 12 m square and its walls are 3.5 m thick. The lower floor is cut into the living rock and has a large rock cut well. The middle floor provided living accommodation for the guards while the small room on the roof was the powder store.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvoW6hI3ZUtEPPGmAj7i94mdRoWqZa4H9jZUsn-fniXvEDnaCoIEN4QQk7PSstjZE2tInHurIz2hPq80zghMrZ4q1IVfVaUcEPUDdC9wZrfgidtmjxq543CztVvpvV0gq1DnRNtxE9jVK/s1600/DSC_9022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvoW6hI3ZUtEPPGmAj7i94mdRoWqZa4H9jZUsn-fniXvEDnaCoIEN4QQk7PSstjZE2tInHurIz2hPq80zghMrZ4q1IVfVaUcEPUDdC9wZrfgidtmjxq543CztVvpvV0gq1DnRNtxE9jVK/s320/DSC_9022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Access to the roof is via a stone staircase on the east side of the tower.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Zw5kE63IYuueAz6PnxFudsblOt6Cw3LM6z2trkNqoWxbWpjLeDEN2sz_L24i9gYP2hFGhJ_XoB5DNzAnNDlPNaPr6Uj1Evdh_v9FGXciKfHCJHV8X8MmtsPUoCRm2Vh_C07seLk1UkZ/s1600/DSC_9026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Zw5kE63IYuueAz6PnxFudsblOt6Cw3LM6z2trkNqoWxbWpjLeDEN2sz_L24i9gYP2hFGhJ_XoB5DNzAnNDlPNaPr6Uj1Evdh_v9FGXciKfHCJHV8X8MmtsPUoCRm2Vh_C07seLk1UkZ/s320/DSC_9026.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The tower was manned by a Capo Maestro, or bombardier or his adjutant, together with two other guards whose wages were also paid by he Universitas. The bombardier was able to supplement his income from the sale of salt collected from the nearby pans. The tower was armed with 3 six pound canon, swivel guns muskets and spontoons (pikes) provided from the armoury of the knights of St John. There is however no record of any of these weapons being fired in anger.Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-36514395348713578162015-07-03T02:10:00.000-07:002015-07-04T04:43:57.197-07:00St Catherine of Italy, VallettaThe little church of St Catherine of Italy, the church of the Langue of Italy is next to the Auberge of Italy and faces Our Lady of Victory in Victory Square, Valletta. The original church was designed by Gerolamo Cassar and dedicated to the patron Saint of Italy, St Catherine of Siena in 1576.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr14ZR9PYE8JWDfEJZVi4uLXzyVqQCvbdeKBaese5ftMnBmpYsEZfqpO0JfjPlpjav6H7y7S0TY1z6WJlkgaT7V88i_bKgLmlyQjw6_7YomG1MDJP4k-EpP-S6PR6TrxZrXcwoibnc96MO/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr14ZR9PYE8JWDfEJZVi4uLXzyVqQCvbdeKBaese5ftMnBmpYsEZfqpO0JfjPlpjav6H7y7S0TY1z6WJlkgaT7V88i_bKgLmlyQjw6_7YomG1MDJP4k-EpP-S6PR6TrxZrXcwoibnc96MO/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham340.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
St Catherine of Italy was remodelled in the 1680's when it was given an octagonal floor plan, possibly under the direction of the architect Francois Blondel. The church was remodeled again in 1713 by Romano Carapecchia who added the porch, now St Catherine's defining feature.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYo9YefSI1q24TKwN3m3tg6ucbR32E9RiaZIiW1ZJKIMXcgsF6ja8NBHFaDmECpxZlH5YfDDFtrI79jdVwSEaCCgGG-W8GFS_82XxNYS72ji-2eJDbEK0zvsQfZlQvQ8_bs1fdT2wEzwV3/s1600/testDSC_8422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYo9YefSI1q24TKwN3m3tg6ucbR32E9RiaZIiW1ZJKIMXcgsF6ja8NBHFaDmECpxZlH5YfDDFtrI79jdVwSEaCCgGG-W8GFS_82XxNYS72ji-2eJDbEK0zvsQfZlQvQ8_bs1fdT2wEzwV3/s320/testDSC_8422.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The altarpiece of the Martyrdom of St Catherine was executed in Naples in 1659 and donated by the artist Mattia Preti to the Italian knights to demonstrate his talent, and as such is one of the first works by the great painter in Malta. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm5XQrWX4v5Cv946ZTu-7KGQpmToWRM5Oc_Gpvb6f7ger_DRyvo7gQYquWiaFLFrpYRoIjKnOHHPtjbfBjS5C-jZthTpk9LZ4JeqwS0julqUIs-cDgNg-2_q16BV6dc-tN2LSzorrPReo/s1600/DSC_8444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm5XQrWX4v5Cv946ZTu-7KGQpmToWRM5Oc_Gpvb6f7ger_DRyvo7gQYquWiaFLFrpYRoIjKnOHHPtjbfBjS5C-jZthTpk9LZ4JeqwS0julqUIs-cDgNg-2_q16BV6dc-tN2LSzorrPReo/s320/DSC_8444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8I7kq0i2s0fZmKQl82avLKBbjRExPg5ea0taE1DwBT1RNp-0InqSDIftmKxeEf1qBi8N1Lrfgf7aeVLtRw8JoIZAEQQghIWcT3sDLZWh9L8fyxzuPzhve6dryE1BJDc_whFbD8AzT02m/s1600/DSC_8439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8I7kq0i2s0fZmKQl82avLKBbjRExPg5ea0taE1DwBT1RNp-0InqSDIftmKxeEf1qBi8N1Lrfgf7aeVLtRw8JoIZAEQQghIWcT3sDLZWh9L8fyxzuPzhve6dryE1BJDc_whFbD8AzT02m/s320/DSC_8439.JPG" width="204" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdEG-Eg-qi8UIZM4h_WA0YGaTUeLOBnymQh9vsFFd3dcW0TCUOkwXYGUr6492v9rgeGYoxJs4kJsqL7n6OLIzCMGns238WN83rLhlEyErtwwjDs5Cgkt9hvcTtuJ147JtfJAWV2oujuoX/s1600/DSC_8449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdEG-Eg-qi8UIZM4h_WA0YGaTUeLOBnymQh9vsFFd3dcW0TCUOkwXYGUr6492v9rgeGYoxJs4kJsqL7n6OLIzCMGns238WN83rLhlEyErtwwjDs5Cgkt9hvcTtuJ147JtfJAWV2oujuoX/s320/DSC_8449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The Italian knights commissioned Preti to design the painting of the vault of St Catherine's although the work was executed by another artist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqNSq0dd87tEhf4yLDWvt2YQFOrsMjRVCQJqMjTwiGtDgQtDDs7ocF18u5hn_ktTzD1IK8SaiBRCcPC8WygCLT8xTjnThRvVl1-W3T4H7f22-apyhLRhc9LwrMamY3OrNI3pkcsIR_ZNC/s1600/DSC_8447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqNSq0dd87tEhf4yLDWvt2YQFOrsMjRVCQJqMjTwiGtDgQtDDs7ocF18u5hn_ktTzD1IK8SaiBRCcPC8WygCLT8xTjnThRvVl1-W3T4H7f22-apyhLRhc9LwrMamY3OrNI3pkcsIR_ZNC/s320/DSC_8447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the most important dates in the year of the Langue of Italy was the Feast Day of St Catherine, 25th November.On the eve of the feast the Grand Master and the Knights Grand Cross assembled in the church of St Catherine where they assisted at the First Vespers chanted by the Conventual Chaplains of the Langue of Italy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuYB8JdBKt16jkTePzBPs_aLusP0QkSiJp-ut9imYfNknv0fCHNxalVXwbFcZTk6wN3y8JZDlNrJ6QtKl6kmBOCgod_ahwhKesBTLGGukpg1NFmOJ6IJfx6cta0Vmt4JQBCuF1cKT_YEO/s1600/DSC_8427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuYB8JdBKt16jkTePzBPs_aLusP0QkSiJp-ut9imYfNknv0fCHNxalVXwbFcZTk6wN3y8JZDlNrJ6QtKl6kmBOCgod_ahwhKesBTLGGukpg1NFmOJ6IJfx6cta0Vmt4JQBCuF1cKT_YEO/s320/DSC_8427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6vM-SKaMmCNSPwaphTjiYsaRAGbmNVzoRquyoTX7ELgKIcOXRa4r09lTK5OVvGfANrE01LidhKIlDGhPzjxB-0-OeEtmGKcMatONnDyZLcgrpGBgFL2WK3FOeNMWOqntCKPkvG0pm2BU/s1600/DSC_8452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6vM-SKaMmCNSPwaphTjiYsaRAGbmNVzoRquyoTX7ELgKIcOXRa4r09lTK5OVvGfANrE01LidhKIlDGhPzjxB-0-OeEtmGKcMatONnDyZLcgrpGBgFL2WK3FOeNMWOqntCKPkvG0pm2BU/s320/DSC_8452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On the Feast itself, at 8 in the morning, the Grand Master and the Knights Grand Cross a assembled once more at the Church of St Catherine for a High Mass. At the same time a high Mass was celebrated in the Chapel of St Catherine in the Conventual church of St John. Then a procession was formed under the direction of the Vice-Prior to carry the Order's most precious relic, the hand of St John the Baptist through the main doors of St John's, down Zachary Street to St Catherine's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotLnakX6Nf_zBFkvT0ACvWRcO6QpkVwTinITPoqTrlOu7zN7XwWwMmFQDjdfrzFJB9bTVU1PmyRIBJ3WXx-3MO2QyzLUK2LqFEED-hJmoWo88-3zUh7tFA8fDGKzMl_6WJJW7LHAhsiHa/s1600/DSC_8437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotLnakX6Nf_zBFkvT0ACvWRcO6QpkVwTinITPoqTrlOu7zN7XwWwMmFQDjdfrzFJB9bTVU1PmyRIBJ3WXx-3MO2QyzLUK2LqFEED-hJmoWo88-3zUh7tFA8fDGKzMl_6WJJW7LHAhsiHa/s320/DSC_8437.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
When the relic arrived at St Catherine's the Antiphon of the <i>Benedictus</i> was intoned before the procession then made its way back to St John's, accompanied now by the Grand Master and the Knights Grand Cross holding lighted torches.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-25429074563451195352015-07-02T01:41:00.000-07:002015-07-02T01:41:16.943-07:00Annunciation of Our Lady, RabatThis chapel in St Paul Street, Rabat is dedicated to St Mary and to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, hence its' popular name, ta' Duna, that means 'the gifts' in Maltese.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NjniZ5CzxYAp99VGo3uO9GP2CPEcuQmxt9UfTQcuKOxpHCVBC2YYBQhu35lQ40S-43VO2_mvGGs2U9tC2I-1Pt2HaGM3eVq8NCbnW8aMb11rVZ3WCuTIk-0QZ6NFlVaQtNSvC4j6awst/s1600/DSC_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NjniZ5CzxYAp99VGo3uO9GP2CPEcuQmxt9UfTQcuKOxpHCVBC2YYBQhu35lQ40S-43VO2_mvGGs2U9tC2I-1Pt2HaGM3eVq8NCbnW8aMb11rVZ3WCuTIk-0QZ6NFlVaQtNSvC4j6awst/s320/DSC_1549.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The chapel was rebuilt by Canon Gio. Batt. Zahra between 1662 and 1666, on the site of an earlier building dedicated to St John the Baptist. Such was the popularity of this chapel that as early as 1575 Mass had been heard here on Saturdays and on the feast day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09C-IWyi5gkGfrQ13Hlq-Dz98ISIajBX7hYb27-qexN3GA7BbD7HFQ8uqM1YfxL6P6kIk9Pn-va0DWJoaxo6WkKKwLqvoHxcPxLUjHGfs_J5mVOZsPZlWVa-Yj6Y0N_jpU1YsN5AIlzN9/s1600/DSC_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09C-IWyi5gkGfrQ13Hlq-Dz98ISIajBX7hYb27-qexN3GA7BbD7HFQ8uqM1YfxL6P6kIk9Pn-va0DWJoaxo6WkKKwLqvoHxcPxLUjHGfs_J5mVOZsPZlWVa-Yj6Y0N_jpU1YsN5AIlzN9/s320/DSC_1552.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wRE1CJwuAhFMhnzOCbnLxEqgJHMxK1oR8aOMm1adpkk0tfp8yndHKBvQExwR6CWw4tDYg18DV9_PGKgKK43KIKjTgljD_iSBi0v5Zb-KaQhTalLGtcqZ7Hq-dIHsSamzxwVr1gUmsN3I/s1600/DSC_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wRE1CJwuAhFMhnzOCbnLxEqgJHMxK1oR8aOMm1adpkk0tfp8yndHKBvQExwR6CWw4tDYg18DV9_PGKgKK43KIKjTgljD_iSBi0v5Zb-KaQhTalLGtcqZ7Hq-dIHsSamzxwVr1gUmsN3I/s320/DSC_1557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
The chapel has one altar and a sacristy. It is decorated through out with beautiful frescoes covering the walls and the ceiling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSipjZT-NNiWb27vs7QAkayQjfWwZrOwbKISCr_EdM8dAUIIY8NOd5S2-Ka-LvuV7ejmcYFUrQoL_vA1WIouEr50p92jhh43WgFwek7SY4MlCH7cdnfrvjEzQRabPtiwy75t7yzE7L63yL/s1600/DSC_1564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSipjZT-NNiWb27vs7QAkayQjfWwZrOwbKISCr_EdM8dAUIIY8NOd5S2-Ka-LvuV7ejmcYFUrQoL_vA1WIouEr50p92jhh43WgFwek7SY4MlCH7cdnfrvjEzQRabPtiwy75t7yzE7L63yL/s320/DSC_1564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1658 Canon Antonio Famicelli donated a marble statue of St Mary to the chapel, to be celebrated on the feast every 18th January, since held on the 15th August.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXQJ_SpMZMnbZ4J5KzTZMItucoBVj4YfpOpN8UOLeON2vz_pD-sM-18ItHHf6cqJ-Ay3KWp95z-RUH3vp0ILtcUHY7INfBbwHqj78pt1mf0vJNfRmI2enDBGTT4VyKN2yh2rq1WuWXWo_/s1600/DSC_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXQJ_SpMZMnbZ4J5KzTZMItucoBVj4YfpOpN8UOLeON2vz_pD-sM-18ItHHf6cqJ-Ay3KWp95z-RUH3vp0ILtcUHY7INfBbwHqj78pt1mf0vJNfRmI2enDBGTT4VyKN2yh2rq1WuWXWo_/s320/DSC_1561.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1774 the chapel procurator (who was also vicar general of the Bishop) gave a forty day indulgence for those who visited the chapel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPDwWuxDCCxJqd1JOTzCWWS7kyUl7dQvUhrMmluPocqDn9aV-0O5da5H6LloRuON5URwcmpeTXNMmL0Bos573g-d81mxV6A26hUDNPuiIUdWoGZ-Jo0VIlaCG_5-axm5PKdm_Y17KAkD9/s1600/DSC_1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPDwWuxDCCxJqd1JOTzCWWS7kyUl7dQvUhrMmluPocqDn9aV-0O5da5H6LloRuON5URwcmpeTXNMmL0Bos573g-d81mxV6A26hUDNPuiIUdWoGZ-Jo0VIlaCG_5-axm5PKdm_Y17KAkD9/s320/DSC_1565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-37398843728487554432015-07-01T05:57:00.000-07:002015-07-01T05:57:08.378-07:00Fort St Lucian, MarsaxlokkFort St Lucian was built in 1610 by Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt. This powerful rectangular fort was intended to defend the great unprotected bay of Marsaxlokk in the south of Malta where the Turks had landed in 1565. The fort was named after the church where Wignacourt was christened.<br />
<br />
A legend reports how a female slave from Tunisia, on being converted to Christianity, confessed to a Jesuit priest that St John the Baptist appeared to her, warning her of an imminent threat and advising of the construction of a fort at Marsaxlokk. the grand master was told but was too busy building his aqueduct to take much notice. However the following summer eight Turkish galleys attempted to land in the bay but were prevented by the coastguard convinced the grand master to build the fort at a cost of 11,745 scudi.<br />
<br />
Fort St Lucian was completed by 11 June 1611 when a bronze canon was installed. It is a strong square tower built on a promontory with four bastions, one at each corner. The walls are twenty three feet thick at the base surrounding two barreled vaulted chambers with two more on the upper storey from which extend six splayed embrasures in the sixteen foot thick walls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVALMJ5kU5smEc3coCleZF6VzF-TjvQRqwXtXr5jQxgeVkZoKiAn7KdkHTOYx-7DHmMWS5Io6i95H-cBEEnLdtVux_9veiFD4ebwIe7ufd_b1aygHDMqnLrusSw-UZUd5kGGKFCXXRHV-/s1600/DSC_9858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVALMJ5kU5smEc3coCleZF6VzF-TjvQRqwXtXr5jQxgeVkZoKiAn7KdkHTOYx-7DHmMWS5Io6i95H-cBEEnLdtVux_9veiFD4ebwIe7ufd_b1aygHDMqnLrusSw-UZUd5kGGKFCXXRHV-/s320/DSC_9858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1614 a large Turkish expedition attempted to enter the harbour but was repulsed by a bombardment from the guns of Fort St Lucian. In 1641 the Turks attacked Malta again, putting ashore about 5,000 men in Marsaxlokk bay. However they were contained by the Maltese cavalry and the guns of Fort St Lucian drove the galleys from the beaches.<br />
<br />
In 1722 the fort was garrisoned by thirty men and armed with six cannons. A battery was built on the seaward side and equipped with eight cannons. In 1761 French engineers reported that it, 'is very solid, vaulted to perfection and on a platform holds five cannon of 10 pounds and two of six pounds with two little mortars.'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlNsFnZCjvX3N42ML0YJL8lCoNAgB6K5_mXKYpf4IQ74K_YOavwDfdt08pm2eArS4oWTqoDDfT24020l63QeakMuaxen_xfgiofjy1cYJalZBwJs1EKO1vRhnBu9M2Zo76i6I4EwM19lg/s1600/DSC_9803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlNsFnZCjvX3N42ML0YJL8lCoNAgB6K5_mXKYpf4IQ74K_YOavwDfdt08pm2eArS4oWTqoDDfT24020l63QeakMuaxen_xfgiofjy1cYJalZBwJs1EKO1vRhnBu9M2Zo76i6I4EwM19lg/s320/DSC_9803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1793 Grand Master Rohan had a ditch excavated around the fort to further strengthen its defences, his escutcheon was carved over the entrance and it was named Fort Rohan in his honour.Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-78343219158275717762015-06-24T13:30:00.000-07:002015-07-04T04:36:15.718-07:00Wignacourt Tower, St Paul's BayThe Wignacourt Tower that stands on the southern shore of St Paul's Bay was the first coastal tower to be built by the Knights of St John.. It was the first of a number of towers built at the beginning of the 17th century by Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt to guard vulnerable landing places.<br />
<br />
On 7th November 1609 plans and a model of the projected tower were presented to the Order's Council. The proposal was accepted and the grand master himself attended a ceremony on 10th February 1610 at which the foundation stone was blessed and laid. The chosen date is supposed to have been the anniversary of the shipwreck of St Paul. The coast of the tower, 6748 scudi, 7 tari and 10 grani was borne by the Grand Master.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYaEyMbY0Wkrn5f8pgQXcCqTQFCnEGooQXdY8W9CKwmMW4393D-lFMr_YVdgBMT2OCKHd8N9PNpQyNqZa1YooooRaersbtsM8RbHtkzL-bfoHMW-9PDc8OS_yaPYe05omH3iGAMjyLTkl/s1600/DSC_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYaEyMbY0Wkrn5f8pgQXcCqTQFCnEGooQXdY8W9CKwmMW4393D-lFMr_YVdgBMT2OCKHd8N9PNpQyNqZa1YooooRaersbtsM8RbHtkzL-bfoHMW-9PDc8OS_yaPYe05omH3iGAMjyLTkl/s320/DSC_1973.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The design of the tower seems to have been by the Maltese architect Vittorio Cassar. Square in plan, it had a single stone-vaulted room on the ground floor and another above. The flat roof mounted a canon and could be used for lighting a bonfire and signalling at night. Four corner towers rise higher than the roof. The original entrance on the first floor was approached over a drawbridge from a flight of stone steps. These were removed in the 1950's when the road was widened. The ground floor entrance is a modern addition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The tower was armed by two 6 pounder and three 18 pounder guns. There were also piombatoi or drop boxes projecting from the corners of the towers from which objects could be dropped onto an attacker. As a result this and other contemporary towers were known as 'towers of boiling water.'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvXKDdq2p0sPXW1OfE8Gklm1q4ZJpFAIkDY2dda4s2MhTchOQ8uA21eZaDRVj4-O-62Jo_kxP_DbhqVcHOgU_FMcPEBpPIAqOP9CzNSuwdzQVtmRFDY7z4zsytETmFfMjH59pUl471fYr/s1600/testDSC_8161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvXKDdq2p0sPXW1OfE8Gklm1q4ZJpFAIkDY2dda4s2MhTchOQ8uA21eZaDRVj4-O-62Jo_kxP_DbhqVcHOgU_FMcPEBpPIAqOP9CzNSuwdzQVtmRFDY7z4zsytETmFfMjH59pUl471fYr/s320/testDSC_8161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Wignacourt Tower soon saw action when in 1614 it prevented an Ottoman fleet from landing at St Paul's Bay. As a result the grand master was authorized on 9th July to post up to 30 foreign troops at the tower. The tower was placed under the command of a master bombardier who received an annual salary of 74 scudi. He was also provided with oil to light the room in which eight local men kept watch, without pay. In 1631 the normal complement of the tower was settled at two bombardiers in addition to the commander, but in an emergency the Order was prepared to augment the garrison.Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-29118700013996284712015-06-07T11:35:00.000-07:002015-06-07T11:35:52.224-07:00Margat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the fall of Jerusalem (1187) Saladin permitted the Hospitallers to take with them their archives, relics and church treasures, under escort across the northern frontier of the Kingdom into the County of Tripoli. The most important properties left to the Order of St John were now in the north centered on the great castles of Crac des Chevaliers in the County of Tripoli and Margat in the Principality of Antioch. With the loss of Jerusalem the Order had to find a new location for their Convent or headquarters. Tyre, the only city still in Christian hands was out of the question, because it was under siege. Crac was an isolated frontier fortress whose garrison was on a permanent state of active duty. So the acting leader of the Order, Grand Commander Fra' William Burrel had little choice to establish the Convent at Margat. Not only did Margat offer spacious accommodation but importantly from its position on the coast it offered secure lines of communication with Europe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Margat is one of the largest and most impressive castles in the Middle East. It was held by the Order of St John from 1186 until 1285. The site that dominates the coastal road was first fortified by the Arabs in 1062. They held al-Marquab (the Watchtower) until the Crusaders captured it in 1140. The Prince of Antioch bestowed Margat, which controlled the southern frontier of his principality and the valley that ran inland to the mountain strongholds of the Assassins, on the Constable of the new principality. The Constable's family held it until 1186 when Bertrand le Mazoir ceded the castle to the Order of St John.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CaJtZsUaDYK-4PlTwun6FD6X6KI3KpS2M-drbF6ANQnQKjF5w9YzqB7dsIZVTFohSVgA9aO9VUy2vuef8TjSUWmp6TV34XB42V7mBFmsuUlorcn9DtpwG0LjlYl0cmzGFDztLOXkZM_V/s1600/1digiScanLtd.com+Graham046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CaJtZsUaDYK-4PlTwun6FD6X6KI3KpS2M-drbF6ANQnQKjF5w9YzqB7dsIZVTFohSVgA9aO9VUy2vuef8TjSUWmp6TV34XB42V7mBFmsuUlorcn9DtpwG0LjlYl0cmzGFDztLOXkZM_V/s1600/1digiScanLtd.com+Graham046.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even though the le Mazoir family had struggled to afford the upkeep of Margat the Hospitallers were so keen to acquire such an important lordship they were prepared to pay a heavy price for the privilege. The Knights were to pay Bertrand le Mazoir, his heirs and successors an annual rent of 22 000 Saracen bezants and a further 8 000 bezants to the prince and 1 000 to each of his sons; this even though the prince of Antioch wanted the Order to take over the defence of his southern frontier, principally against the Assassins.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To help defray the considerable upkeep of these castles they were accompanied by great privileges that made the burden of military responsibility worthwhile. With Margat came vast estates in southern Antioch where the Hospitallers were to enjoy rights of lordship over their vassal knights and serfs. In addition with the lordship of Margat came the outlying castles of Branin, Papos, Ericium, the nearby town of Valenie (Banyas) and theoretical rights over al-Qadmus (Cademois), al-'Ullaqah and al-Moniqah which were in the hands of the Assassins. These castles were added to the others, Beada, Belda and Corveis that the Hospitallers already held in the south of Antioch. The castle was an important administrative centre from where the brethren oversaw their domains and supervised the collection of taxes and dues which were brought to the castle to be handed over to the treasury.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The defence and maintenance of castles was one of the most important tasks that the Hospitallers performed in Syria in the 13th century. Possession of a castle was vital in the control of the country. They were an insurance against conquest, because no matter how strong an invading army was, the possession of one or two strong castles could seriously hold up its progress. They also served as a place of safety and refuge. But in frontier districts they also performed an important attacking function when used to launch raids into neighbouring territory; to weaken the enemy or to exact tribute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRxiyAuMcjrXRhD21B6_VKQUOaucAcm4HdEqkrn0Hx9JL_R6FggnFsc80O9dDIKBpdMEk1oGyPmlHZ_3b_P5VMsql-WAmgiohQK9eL0qko8lzVw7RFnM1dkSlrs91Tq7Q5xP7jOijbZ4T/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRxiyAuMcjrXRhD21B6_VKQUOaucAcm4HdEqkrn0Hx9JL_R6FggnFsc80O9dDIKBpdMEk1oGyPmlHZ_3b_P5VMsql-WAmgiohQK9eL0qko8lzVw7RFnM1dkSlrs91Tq7Q5xP7jOijbZ4T/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Within the boundaries of their estates at Margat the Hospitallers enjoyed a state of virtual independence for which they owed no service to the prince and neither did they have to share with him any booty they captured as spoils of war. All existing agreements and understandings between prince and Order were amended in favour of the brethren who were free to make peace or war with their neighbors as they saw fit, without reference to the prince, while he on his part bound himself and his successors to honour any treaties made by the Order. The historian of the order J. Riley-Smith described these great frontier lordships centered on Margat and Crac in neighbouring Tripoli as 'palatinates'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On taking over Margat in 1186 the Hospitallers appointed a senior brother to the new office, Castellan of Margat. The Castellan ranked as one of the Conventual Bailiffs who under normal circumstances was only answerable to the Master or the General Chapter of the Order. Like all castellans and commanders in the east, the Castellan of Margat was provided with three horses and was accompanied on expeditions by two grooms and a turcopole. The Castellan presided over a number of administrative departments within the castle comprising the clergy who served the garrison chapel, the chancery, treasury and the military departments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 1186 the Castellans's most pressing task was to strengthen and make improvements to the castle's defences. Two years later Margat's fortifications were so strong that Saladin preferred to take on an easier target even though his army marched passed along the coastal road virtually beneath the castle walls. So impressive were the fortifications that when he visited Margat in 1212 William of Oldenburg described the scale and strength of its towers which "seemed to support the heavens rather then to exist for defence". 700 years later T.E. Lawrence thought that the ruins of Margat exemplified "all the best of Latin fortifications of the Middle Ages in the East".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_orqFXLC7XrifYzxsPjUncvHlTclsz72gdIjQzDrYnAs1H2mhRx7U4UGrT6aVsHT116BxLjGAXih4CQ5-5dM90BNKut_GH9V_YtVb19IhNcMFaeXMsvcIBlE9bxglngXQtVT1Zctw-R1/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_orqFXLC7XrifYzxsPjUncvHlTclsz72gdIjQzDrYnAs1H2mhRx7U4UGrT6aVsHT116BxLjGAXih4CQ5-5dM90BNKut_GH9V_YtVb19IhNcMFaeXMsvcIBlE9bxglngXQtVT1Zctw-R1/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The site of Margat was well chosen for defense, occupying the summit of what is in effect the western spur of the Ansyirah mountains, at a point where the coastal plain is only a few hundred meters wide. It is an extinct volcano where the land falls away steeply except to the south where a gentler slope joins it to the main range. The Hospitaller's fortified the site in accordance with the latest precepts of French military architecture; the triangular site was enclosed behind two lines of defensive walls with fourteen square and rounded towers projecting from the outer line of fortifications. The outer walls enclose an enormous outer courtyard or ward which is separated by an internal wall from the inner stronghold of the castle to the south where the gentler slope made the site more vulnerable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The main entrance of Margat is a gateway through the strong two storey square tower in the centre of the western wall. The tower is approached up a bent angle flight of steps which leads to a bridge across the moat dug at the base of the walls. Beyond the first gate, which was originally protected by a portcullis, two further gateways lead from the tower on either side that give access to the castle's outer line of defences.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhdHv8XsuWgfFeg3iSoKkdXT6WYdLngFfpv4LNwJe5XCXMKhPUT5o8YD9ofDrpteY0ouatyeqoiNURhcg-8SNftDlCs4Ku4p_89LIT9LGr1eX9f0TuJmmAJEkJhCf7pnfPscgJhfT6Ybj/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhdHv8XsuWgfFeg3iSoKkdXT6WYdLngFfpv4LNwJe5XCXMKhPUT5o8YD9ofDrpteY0ouatyeqoiNURhcg-8SNftDlCs4Ku4p_89LIT9LGr1eX9f0TuJmmAJEkJhCf7pnfPscgJhfT6Ybj/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The partially ruined chamber that occupies the upper floor of the entrance tower once presumably served as the guard chamber. At Margat, as in the other frontier castles of the Hospitallers the castle gates were shut at Compline and no brother was permitted to leave until the gates were opened again the following morning. Entry into the inner ward of the castle was through a further gate about twenty five metres to the south thus forcing any attackers who had managed to break through the outer gate to pass beneath the inner walls where they would be vulnerable to a counter attack by the castle's garrison.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwIMsRqsP_t-fsF_E9fzidgZ21ng87QOrJScdNgT8RRS1tlxppanzYq0wSrUw-Efl6jWS0_569lPk5lL9XgzknAupJ_j75cuP9FVW4I4YLpUAbnYUWcqNO0tjzeKmy2_gCTN-tHjHOIrn/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwIMsRqsP_t-fsF_E9fzidgZ21ng87QOrJScdNgT8RRS1tlxppanzYq0wSrUw-Efl6jWS0_569lPk5lL9XgzknAupJ_j75cuP9FVW4I4YLpUAbnYUWcqNO0tjzeKmy2_gCTN-tHjHOIrn/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the heart of the inner fortress of Margat is a triangular shaped courtyard, which would once have been the focus of so much of the castle's activity. Along one side of the courtyard are storerooms and barracks that were most probably used by the mercenaries and turcopoles who would have formed an indispensable complement of the garrison.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Adjoining the inner gatehouse are the remains of the great hall. Now almost completely ruined, the broken capitals and remaining sections of vaulting constructed in white stone, to contrast with black basalt of the walls, give an indication of the former glory of this hall which would have been the scene of some of the castle's most important ceremonial occasions. A small rectangular doorway in the north wall of the great hall gives access to a small suite of rooms above the castle's inner entrance,one of which, known as the King's Chamber is said to refer to Issac Comnenus, Despot of Cyprus who was deposed by King Richard of England (the Lionheart) on his way to join the Third Crusade and who was imprisoned and died at Margat. Richard first came to Margat when he landed in Outremer from Cyprus at the outset of the Third Crusade.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yYsPWSZGdzQEDvUI0_nhBsmimWFZGfD-bppnsfog4OKWmrWvQlTBmlc8T5EBbu0w0F2RLLuVdFf2NExPiHp3kphRE_XS6RuFMKzlh_6XLbtvPZfO8H26weVYlOeYcaXClDecBYsQfFs_/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yYsPWSZGdzQEDvUI0_nhBsmimWFZGfD-bppnsfog4OKWmrWvQlTBmlc8T5EBbu0w0F2RLLuVdFf2NExPiHp3kphRE_XS6RuFMKzlh_6XLbtvPZfO8H26weVYlOeYcaXClDecBYsQfFs_/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The chapel at Margat is in a remarkable state of preservation. The chapel would have been at the heart of the communal life of the brethren at Margat and had a full complement of brother priests to administer to the spiritual needs of the garrison. The Hospitallers began work on the chapel in 1187 soon after they took over Margat and it is built in a transitional Gothic style which in some of its elements still refers back to the Romanesque. The main entrance is on the south side of the building. a flight of steps leads up to the pointed Gothic arch that rests on acanthus capitals once supported by slender columns (now missing). There is a similar entrance on the west side of the chapel where the columns are intact.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj0SDLO740S7MWt74_LJ1SZEMKlcTmK4LfI4qVXp9o3IZGd7RuRDMayJMoJ1HJmzkM-_f9ygMg0r7Z2CQ07g0OVj3RDBk8t-x84g9LeMOljTKh1Y2XlSaXh5_R6W1IKkRNMXnLpWquwwS/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj0SDLO740S7MWt74_LJ1SZEMKlcTmK4LfI4qVXp9o3IZGd7RuRDMayJMoJ1HJmzkM-_f9ygMg0r7Z2CQ07g0OVj3RDBk8t-x84g9LeMOljTKh1Y2XlSaXh5_R6W1IKkRNMXnLpWquwwS/s320/digiScanLtd.com+Graham051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The interior of the chapel is as austere as the exterior. There are no aisles so the interior space is not divided by columns. The decorative restraint is only broken by three pointed arches, one deliminating the apse, one in the middle springing from acanthus capitals resting on engaged columns and one at the face of the building. Both of the side walls each have two Gothic arches and one pointed arch window as there is also in the centre of the apse at the end of the chapel behind where the altar would have been.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXpDgUon44vuYfk6N3OQhRhYcO5vzwVLRUwz2ge8rVJmRXHqzrNrmoeW4X_Kn1nyQU2f12U-ZIyYA0eMVMAM15lXH7k2WB3ehxqBGoreOwSGvQFX8UMFfp8s6Oq5GbzQR1m3xikuHbcxg/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXpDgUon44vuYfk6N3OQhRhYcO5vzwVLRUwz2ge8rVJmRXHqzrNrmoeW4X_Kn1nyQU2f12U-ZIyYA0eMVMAM15lXH7k2WB3ehxqBGoreOwSGvQFX8UMFfp8s6Oq5GbzQR1m3xikuHbcxg/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the left of the apse is the sacristy decorated with remarkable frescoes depicting the Apostles, painted in the Byzantine style.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AQo2r9_67-6E6ROcnL2xK6-hH8ZtQFOoMsddSGiY6Ny3l42HUim-qEgqp1zdM7_y8jof_UTwKuGvSwTJgJlBpN_HYNWO3dE8ExCmhg71oWhsWRmCje5mV_0vMMEBsH97ql6RzQRzbXad/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AQo2r9_67-6E6ROcnL2xK6-hH8ZtQFOoMsddSGiY6Ny3l42HUim-qEgqp1zdM7_y8jof_UTwKuGvSwTJgJlBpN_HYNWO3dE8ExCmhg71oWhsWRmCje5mV_0vMMEBsH97ql6RzQRzbXad/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham053.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Behind the chapel are a series of great vaulted halls, which presumably provided the Hospitallers's with their accommodation. There would have been a refectory, dormitory, infirmary, arsenal, treasury and chancery. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYil_5xmnMqjfPxzPUp_Sxeqj11tdttIDQjM3xYAsqZH4IEcpv9bMe3PQ6fkjGP5HGhk4gCCOLF9_IVG32vUBQBOih0pbCBF6AwvgmyP5XGcawKd7q0rHgYa1tbB0AKNT8brZPQcUk6mPM/s1600/Picture+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYil_5xmnMqjfPxzPUp_Sxeqj11tdttIDQjM3xYAsqZH4IEcpv9bMe3PQ6fkjGP5HGhk4gCCOLF9_IVG32vUBQBOih0pbCBF6AwvgmyP5XGcawKd7q0rHgYa1tbB0AKNT8brZPQcUk6mPM/s1600/Picture+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One large two storied building has two large halls superimposed one on top of the other. The hall on the ground floor has two openings in the floor which give access to the cistern below while the hall on the upper floor has an internal window at one end which looks down into the chapel, suggesting that it may well have been the hospital. The patients would undoubtedly have gained spiritual succour from the sounds and smells of the liturgy below. A door at the other end of the chamber lead into the keep or donjon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdazbZ-5-4ofefASqBkETRH2eAd0i12dBc8N-aHsfIsTM6e27xFgeh7hcmPpjYsDG9R3QtPFMPmCq3hUbaqohEKdImU2fDmlY4tjkH5lpGLNZkU3sgourNz4acZNEBk859M0kZ9hyQjx5L/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdazbZ-5-4ofefASqBkETRH2eAd0i12dBc8N-aHsfIsTM6e27xFgeh7hcmPpjYsDG9R3QtPFMPmCq3hUbaqohEKdImU2fDmlY4tjkH5lpGLNZkU3sgourNz4acZNEBk859M0kZ9hyQjx5L/s1600/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The great round keep of Margat is the most impressive building in the castle. Built from roughly hewn blocks of black granite it has a diameter of 22 meters and its walls are 5 metres thick. The keep has two storeys comprised of two square rooms, one above the other, with a small tunnel underneath leading to the outer line of defence, while an internal staircase gives access to the upper story and the roof from where there are magnificent view over the entire castle, the mountains, the coast and the sea. The architectural historian T.S.R.Boase described the keep at Margat as the finest surviving example of a French Medieval donjon, (especially after the Germans blew up the round tower at Courcy in 1918).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiz65XyOJE8qAHzdE5n2dbmlp40dAHZLlLNoM4geIgRl4bYtUejkcBj4Qedz76kSTt2s_FQIqA8Qh4Zf1bA5CEA9EN4bkYM_dUMiBDxpSRQYCbq23ygqDnk7QeWb_yBoYxxlqn5LG6Als/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiz65XyOJE8qAHzdE5n2dbmlp40dAHZLlLNoM4geIgRl4bYtUejkcBj4Qedz76kSTt2s_FQIqA8Qh4Zf1bA5CEA9EN4bkYM_dUMiBDxpSRQYCbq23ygqDnk7QeWb_yBoYxxlqn5LG6Als/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham049.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
The cost of rebuilding of Margat must have been enormous. The Order was also faced with the cost of strengthening Crac des Chevaliers and the huge cost of maintaining a large military force in the East. This period of high expenditure coincided with a period when the Order was faced with a drastic reduction in its income, due to the loss of its estates in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The inevitable result was a financial crisis. So the brethren meeting at Margat chose a proven administrator and former treasurer, Fra' Geoffry de Donjon (1193-1202) as the new Master of the Hospital, in replacement of the late Fra' Roger des Moulins who fell at Sephoria just before the disaster at Hattin.<br />
<br />
Two months after the election of Fra' Geoffry came news from Damascus that changed the political landscape of the Middle East. The death of the great Saladin on 3 March 1193. Worn out by a lifetime of fighting Christians he was interred in a simple but so beautiful tomb beside the Umayyid Mosque in Damascus. His empire divided among several heirs heralded the return of peace, while the Christians awaited the arrival a new Crusade. Acre as the largest city in Christian hands, and the most important seaport, became capital of the (second) Kingdom of Jerusalem. With the Order of St John now, by default, one of the most powerful institutions in the Holy Land it was necessary for the Convent to be at the centre of political power. So to be closer to the centre of events, Fra' Geoffrey moved the Convent from Margat to Acre in 1197.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately for them, the Christians used the peace with the Muslims to settle scores among themselves. The two great military Orders (St John and the Temple) had a history of intense rivalry. An old dispute between the two orders in the vicinity of Margat flared up again and threatened to escalate out of control. A knight named Seguin who was a vassal of the Hospitallers for his lands between Valanie and Margat was evicted by the Templers who laid a claim on the estate. This led to the Castellan of Margat, Fra' Peter d'Esurau to ride out with the garrison, evict the Templers and reinstate Seguin on his property. But so much blood was shed that relations between the two orders deteriorated even further (if that were possible), to the extent that whenever young knights from the two orders ran into each other, the encounters often ended in violence. Only after the intervention of Almaric, Patriarch of Antioch and the bishops did the two orders agree to put their dispute before the Pope.<br />
<br />
The Hospitallers sent Grand Commander Fra' Ogier to Rome to put their case before the Curia. The papal verdict was published in a bull dated 8 February 1199 in which he strongly condemned both orders for their violent conduct. But he went on try and settle the dispute in as tactful a way as possible, so as to to leave as little ill will as possible. The Hospitallers were required to quit the disputed land with immediate effect and hand it over to the Templers. The knight Seguin was given leave to commence legal proceedings against the Templers in front of a tribunal whose offices were acceptable to both parties. In conclusion, the pope urged both Orders to settle future disputes in accordance with the mechanism agreed by Roger des Moulins and St Arnoud back in 1179......... The verdict went against the Temple who were ordered to hand the land back to Seguin.<br />
<br />
Although that (local) dispute was settled, rivalry between the Orders led them (inevitably) to support rival claimants to the throne of Antioch that fueled a bitter civil war lasting more than twenty years. That was the situation when Geoffrey de Donjon died in 1202. The Christians of Syria were on the brink of civil war and the armies of the Fourth Crusade were gathering at Venice.<br />
<br />
In choosing Alfonso of Portugal (1203-1206) as the new Master of the Hospital, the brethren made an unprecedented choice. He was said to have been the illegitimate son of Alfonso Henriques, King of Portugal and hero of the Reconquista. Alfonso may not even have been a member of the Order at the time of his election. It appears that Alfonso was concerned greatly by the deterioration in discipline shown by the brethren and his chief concern was to restore the Order to its earlier (high) standards. The outbreak of violence between the orders was an indication of how far earlier standards of discipline had fallen. One of the consequences of the wars against Saladin had been that the military brethren were now in a majority and so controlled all positions of power within the Order of St John. But with the brethren on almost continual active service, their numbers augmented by hired mercenaries and adventurers it became more and more difficult to maintain the former standards of discipline. The high level of casualties meant a rapid turnover of brethren serving in the East who were not exposed to communal life.<br />
<br />
One of Alfonso's first concerns as Master was to make a distinction between the professed knights and those visiting knights who fought under the Order's banner on Crusade, making a donation for the privilege and later known as donats. While anxious not to deter them from fighting, Alfonso wanted to make it clear that they were only auxiliaries and not members of the Order. When the fighting stopped they were required to stop wearing the dress of the Order and were no longer to be subject to it's discipline.<br />
<br />
Under the guidance of Alfonso the General Chapter of 1206 passed a comprehensive raft of legislation covering many aspects of the Hospitaller's conventual life, government and provincial legislation. However it seems that opposition to Alfonso built up during the General Chapter and eventually forced his resignation.<br />
<br />
The brethren assembled at Margat for the General Chapter of 1206 chose Fra' Geoffrey Le Rat, Castellan of Crac des Chevaliers as the new Master of the Hospital. Fra' Geoffrey had been a Syrian bailiff of long standing, having previously been a Commander of Antioch and then Castellan of Crac since 1202. Fra' Geoffrey's was however a short rule, he died in the summer of 1207. While opposition to Alfonso's disciplinary agenda might have been strong enough to force his resignation it was not strong enough on the death of Le Rat to prevent the election of one of Alfonso's strongest supporters, Fra' Garin de Montaigue (1207-28), who went on to become one of the Order's longest rulers.<br />
<br />
In 1267 the Hospitallers renewed their peace treaty with the Mamluks covering Margat and Crac des Chevaliers. But in 1269 Sultan Baibars abandoned the treaty and launched an expedition against Margat, but bad weather forced him to turn back (to Damascus). With the loss of Crac des Chevaliers in 1271, Margat was the only major castle left in the Hospittaller's hands.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UQPKGckQwYMS78FW5OPgDbfqmgzj4n3jx997D8-M5FWygw7sOmHnxElfQ9xjTqqHTJA0cJbXs07QFau06H8puklUMar2huvoFa2Pj996IMrIEzGxmEuhA3u4hWh3gQZeKGucvwJzws2l/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UQPKGckQwYMS78FW5OPgDbfqmgzj4n3jx997D8-M5FWygw7sOmHnxElfQ9xjTqqHTJA0cJbXs07QFau06H8puklUMar2huvoFa2Pj996IMrIEzGxmEuhA3u4hWh3gQZeKGucvwJzws2l/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
In 1280, taking advantage of the widespread panic caused by the Mongol invasion the Hospitallers launched an attack on Mosul. The Arabs retaliated by laying siege to Margat. The garrison at that time numbering 600 horsemen made sorties and although they inflicted a defeat on their attackers, the estates around the castle were laid to waste. Although the Order made peace with Sultan Qwalawun in 1281, experience made it doubtful that it would last for long, so the 21st of the Order of St John, Master Fra' Nicholas Lorgne (1277-1284) made sure that the garrison of Margat was strengthened.<br />
<br />
In the event it was the Hospitallers who broke the treaty, by fighting alongside the Mongols at Homs. Qwalawun responded by ordering the governor of Crac to attack Margat, however this force was ambushed and routed before it could reach the castle. The Moslems made another attempt in 1282, but a violent snowstorm drove them back to Hama. These setbacks did not deter the Sultan. On 17 April 1285, he appeared before Margat with his army..<br />
<br />
The Sultan set up his camp on the slopes of the mountains to the South. He began his assault on the South East ramparts where the approach was easiest, even though there was a large dry ditch. After several days bombardment the Saracens entered the ditch and the military engineers began undermining the walls. On 15 May the Tour de l'Esperance at the spur of the castle collapsed. An assault was mounted immediately but was beaten back after heavy losses. The Arabs resumed mining and after eight days succeeded in excavating tunnels under the great keep. Qwalawun however was anxious to capture the castle rather than destroy it so he summoned the Castellan and permitted the knights to inspect the tunnels. They saw that the castle was indefensible and so after a siege lasting 38 days on 25 May the Castellan surrendered 'impregnable' Margat.<br />
The garrison were allowed to march out to Tripoli with their belongings, carried on 55 mules, together with 2000 pieces of gold.<br />
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-53542629883324972812015-06-01T12:12:00.001-07:002015-06-01T12:12:45.444-07:00St Mark, Rabat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Augustinian Friars came to Malta in 1383, their first priory was situated just outside the walls of Mdina. The friary was demolished in 1551 because of a Turkish attack on the island. In 1555 Bishop Cubelles and the Cathedral Chapter gave the friars the old church of St Mark in Rabat to build a new friary. Work on the friary, designed by Gerolamo Cassar began in September 1556. In 1571 Cassar started on the new church of St Mark, completed in 1588.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC5XD9Njr3Dg_dhTU4e3HiuumGiJDgUqoqir6zmsVscOKr_YFlmV5P8X8Rz02L9Jv2Q7WPOwGA18mc48Pd5MhSsiv-2Mb4oAHzEoraqykAbpanXI6oa4NxO0xdT0HTC7qRd9FFDTXmy0i/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC5XD9Njr3Dg_dhTU4e3HiuumGiJDgUqoqir6zmsVscOKr_YFlmV5P8X8Rz02L9Jv2Q7WPOwGA18mc48Pd5MhSsiv-2Mb4oAHzEoraqykAbpanXI6oa4NxO0xdT0HTC7qRd9FFDTXmy0i/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-12076930766023300232015-05-26T09:44:00.001-07:002015-06-27T12:39:23.923-07:00The Hospital, Rhodes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Conventual Hospital was one of the most important and impressive buildings on Rhodes. It was one of the major hospitals of the Mediterranean and remains the best preserved of the Order's hospitals. As recorded by the memorial inscription above the front entrance, work began on the 15th July 1440 and also that Grand Master Fra' Antonio Fluvian (1428-1437) (whose arms are held above by two angels carved in relief), donated 10 000 florins to the costs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The imposing facade reflects the importance that the Order always regarded their duty towards the sick and the poor. The original doors of richly carved cypress were removed in 1836 as a gift from the Ottoman sultan to King Louis Philippe 1 of France who had them hung in the Hall of the Crusades at Versailles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0yQ2xxTOCboxLlDeCB28UGP6ck4JWPnjkgMt0AIhdpwYbIIDUI3q3PHWvVtlCXN1CWF83eYE9a5z4pCRkQmVW1uDxNtV0gMnajxcOZyjUmYkp1wk4xXrXW7-KAmsd4o-STERLEaF26BT/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0yQ2xxTOCboxLlDeCB28UGP6ck4JWPnjkgMt0AIhdpwYbIIDUI3q3PHWvVtlCXN1CWF83eYE9a5z4pCRkQmVW1uDxNtV0gMnajxcOZyjUmYkp1wk4xXrXW7-KAmsd4o-STERLEaF26BT/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The entrance leads through a ribbed and cross vaulted passage into a large square courtyard surrounded by a two storeyed gallery with ribbed cross vaults on the ground floor and flat wooden ceilings on the upper level. This arrangement is said to have derived from Byzantine <i>xenodochia</i> (hospices), or <i>caravanserei</i> in which central courtyards are surrounded by arcaded two storey cloister as at Rhodes. Around the courtyard at ground level are vaulted storerooms. Access to those on the east and north sides are from the street outside and were rented out as shops to provide an income for the resident clergy. Access to the storerooms on the other two sides is from within the courtyard.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8-q-WmST-rggrPP0cUaCXkSbx1OuVLi-cbZSU1dfv9f72mLrMhQsFKoOxyGRxOMJ1d5BE0FGONmx4KueGpeRLbDNcpaF48i9E18xfQWFzpJ21QFDTCudjdP-OtJTQiWXYsQNMgxx1U0y/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8-q-WmST-rggrPP0cUaCXkSbx1OuVLi-cbZSU1dfv9f72mLrMhQsFKoOxyGRxOMJ1d5BE0FGONmx4KueGpeRLbDNcpaF48i9E18xfQWFzpJ21QFDTCudjdP-OtJTQiWXYsQNMgxx1U0y/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham292.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A wide stone staircase to the left of the entrance leads from the courtyard to the upper storey where the medical departments were located. On the north and west sides of the upper storey are small simple rooms, each with a fireplace, where ill brethren or other noble patients could be treated. (Unlike in the Holy Land, at Rhodes the Order did not maintain a separate establishment for sick brethren.)The entrance to the large hospital ward is on the upper gallery immediately above the entrance passage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAsnwysF3vczjKh9jeiJ5LFIdgkKo3Uprua8smtAHNdIO4InP11kxONtFGS5I1855H36-zaF1XGC8ol58BSF4uPxL2Oq1RETZXRsttP3f73lo-hsl8TZGnFv6ORNIkK8rbL3JxT3v7FoD/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAsnwysF3vczjKh9jeiJ5LFIdgkKo3Uprua8smtAHNdIO4InP11kxONtFGS5I1855H36-zaF1XGC8ol58BSF4uPxL2Oq1RETZXRsttP3f73lo-hsl8TZGnFv6ORNIkK8rbL3JxT3v7FoD/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham054.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The Great Ward is 51m long and 12.5 m wide and divided down the length of the hall into two by a colonnade of octagonal stone pillars. The plain capitals are embellished with the heraldic device of the order of St John and of grand master d'Aubusson in alternation. </span>Some of the original roof timbers survive on which are found the arms of the Hospital's founder Fluvian and also those of de Lastic and d'Aubusson. <span style="text-align: left;">Along the two long sides of the ward are small vaulted cubicles built into the thickness of the walls; the result of concealed buttresses which served as privvies. Great wards such as this are based on the European hospitals, the </span><i style="text-align: left;">hotels-Dieu. </i><span style="text-align: left;">A large fireplace would have taken some of the chill away in the winter or more likely a provide a place for patients to huddle and feel some warmth in winter.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The great ward could probably accommodate 100 patients; each of whom had his own bed surrounded by a curtain and had his food served from a silver platter and slept at night between clean sheets. On admission a patient had to say confession and take Holy Communion and make their will in the presence of a chaplain and a scribe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGdVl_B7w_FBZ1J3lH-4Nost_obDcgg093XFTzo6bMHdc6PF5NXOa7_6gzcXGxRQug758s868Tcpom00H8KOslQIUR2EI6CBWawjAUIObfx_niPDMKs1NrWSf7f7KOTRbzMNeETDrTkIk/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGdVl_B7w_FBZ1J3lH-4Nost_obDcgg093XFTzo6bMHdc6PF5NXOa7_6gzcXGxRQug758s868Tcpom00H8KOslQIUR2EI6CBWawjAUIObfx_niPDMKs1NrWSf7f7KOTRbzMNeETDrTkIk/s320/digiScanLtd.com+Graham084.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Hospital was described by Czech pilgrim John Lord of Lobkowitz in 1493 when he and his servant were put up there and fed on white bread and wine:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"<i>That house, the Infirmary, is all built of cut stone and the inside is a straight square. and windows great and broad all around, that there is little wall between these windows: but one window next to the other, so that one may look into the house, and all of it is finely painted. Now the Master of Rhodes had endowed that house, that any man being Christian, of whatever lowly or great rank, who shall come there, if he be sick and ask it for God's sake, should at once be taken in; and there he is at once provided with medicine and other necessities, to wit food and drink and bedclothes. If an impatient person, he is given a room of his own; and if any lesser man, then there is a fine hall, and in it made beds in double row, and on some on them sick people are lying. And these beds are well made with clean white bedclothes, and on each bed there is a red cloth blanket, for there it is not as cold as (in Bohemia). And near each of these beds a door opens upon the balcony; and there too he has a privvy."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> "Also it is ordained that, each of the sick has a servant, that looks after him and serves him, whatever he needs. Also two doctors are ordained for this, sworn leeches, who look after the sick twice each day: once in the morning and once again in the evening. And there are these doctors having in the morning examined his water......</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> "Further the same doctors write a paper, what sort of dish should be given him, and when; and there these officials appointed for this must so provide this, what time these doctors write and order it. And those things are entrusted to three men: one Knight of the Order and two clerks, all of them being on oath for this. Also at that time i saw the sick were served their meals in silver dishes, and they drink too from silver spoons. And none need pay anything for his stay there, except freely of his goodwill gives anything to the servant that has waited upon him."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The administration of the hospital was established on Rhodes in the form it would take until the loss of Malta. In 1440 the year that the construction of the hospital began, the Order issued a detailed set of statutes which were probably the first major revision of the Hospital's regulations since those of 1182. This and subsequent legislation controlled the inspection of stores, appointment of chaplains, confession and prayer, diet and clothing, precautions against fraud, alms and bequests. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Hospitaller of the Langue of France (<i>magnus hospitalarius</i>) was in overall charge, although he remained accountable to the Grand Master and the Council, and ultimately to the General Chapter for important decisions and for the confirmation in office of his subordinates. The Infirmarian, (<i>infermarius</i>) also from the Langue of France was in charge of the day to day running of the hospital. He received the patients, visited them in their beds and ensured that they received the treatment prescribed by the doctors. A scribe recorded the notes and also recorded the testimonial wishes of the sick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Order employed professional doctors who were expected to visit the wards twice a day and one of them had to be on duty at night. The doctors always attended the sick under the supervision of the infirmarian and eight brothers, one from each langue at the Convent. They were accompanied by a scribe who together with the infirmarian, noted down the doctors prescriptions and saw that they were properly observed. the hospital also employed two surgeons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 1445 the Master, somewhat exceptionally employed a Jewish doctor, Jacunda Gratiano, <i>fiscius et professor actis medicine</i>, to practice in the Conventual hospital after having taken an oath on the Jewish scriptures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For their part the patients were not allowed to question the doctors decisions nor change their prescribed diet. Patients were also obliged to be silent, to desist from playing cards or dice and refrain from reading books not associated with the christian religion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Besides those who were sick or ill the hospital also treated causalities of war. in 1445, following the Egyptian attack on Rhodes, certificates of mutilation were issued so that those who for example had had a hand amputated in the hospital would not be regarded as criminals.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Dalf9ZZ9qTPyw-BFCLFpbMUTDwQg9c0OvMq-ge2gkA6mNv7b7P03Lz412QB7OkWei9IG9Qh2SAEPNhkXmwsVpR0Kg7cb5SbniUa8vHtCyOW9g12hhFqJudmjO0LXBX8IMYSc5ViFsU7p/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Dalf9ZZ9qTPyw-BFCLFpbMUTDwQg9c0OvMq-ge2gkA6mNv7b7P03Lz412QB7OkWei9IG9Qh2SAEPNhkXmwsVpR0Kg7cb5SbniUa8vHtCyOW9g12hhFqJudmjO0LXBX8IMYSc5ViFsU7p/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham056.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Half way along the ward, opposite the door and above the main entrance below is the polygonal apse of the chapel. A chaplain, later the prior of the hospital, administered the sacraments and coordinated the religious life of the institution. Every morning the chaplains processed through the great ward and celebrated Mass before the altar in the small three sided Gothic chapel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The chaplains were charged with administering holy Communion and the Last Rites to the sick and singing the Requiem Mass in the event of a death. Every evening at sunset the chaplains gathered in the great ward to recite the great prayer for 'Our lords the Sick.'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
'<i>Seigneurs Malades,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> pries pour pais que Dieu la monde de ceil du terre.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> Seigneurs Malades,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> pries pour le fruit de la terre que Dieu le multiplie entelle</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> maniere que sancte eglise en sort serv ie et le people</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> soutenou.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> Seigneurs Malades,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> pries pour l'apostell de Rome et pour les cordennaus et pour les</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> patriaches et pour les arcevesques et pour les evesques et les</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> prelate...........'</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They prayed too for all Christian kings, pilgrims, captives and benefactors. (The ancient custom of parading the responsions in front of the sick had been discontinued by 1340.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-2mEKYX98DHFngZEA_OYvdYKbMO6V7ecWRxbqko5KKMIA_n6veAdFDB5rf4Z5-BrDSd_n3fM4sn21DHNKo6a46wCAX8HST_bQluk24BwCxypSbAkiKkz6JH3leQawuKYgI8-czbbxQC2/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-2mEKYX98DHFngZEA_OYvdYKbMO6V7ecWRxbqko5KKMIA_n6veAdFDB5rf4Z5-BrDSd_n3fM4sn21DHNKo6a46wCAX8HST_bQluk24BwCxypSbAkiKkz6JH3leQawuKYgI8-czbbxQC2/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham253.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A small door in the southern corner of the Great Ward leads into a second smaller chamber with a polygonal column in the middle, supporting two arches that in turn supports the wooden roof. It is thought that this room served as a refectory. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEZGY164_OdGe5JOzD8uyeOMcxjy0G-1j6TAFCrKMKapS17v_uIewRCpC2fOeSGWpTBv3eVLg_YBd9pImA8HJiHyYIJXMLT9jY-yUzL3VvTBAfTkR-NG6mQheWmHuqNgLrIuWe5dxw4Qv/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEZGY164_OdGe5JOzD8uyeOMcxjy0G-1j6TAFCrKMKapS17v_uIewRCpC2fOeSGWpTBv3eVLg_YBd9pImA8HJiHyYIJXMLT9jY-yUzL3VvTBAfTkR-NG6mQheWmHuqNgLrIuWe5dxw4Qv/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham053.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was a fully stocked pharmacy with an elaborate system for the storage and checking of the quality of the drugs and medicines. All poisons were kept under lock and key.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr12mM2hsdFkjrEtsgET3zy5iHnlJFzio3rUOMjXwboX6v_QCepkL8YKwS-3hMae6vx3ZW9C8gydB7j6kRSmggnyHqDxn5_2juFQDBMwRkuUwIE_J3sA5KUUc3grQ84nJWVV2EqmJwodct/s1600/DSC01463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr12mM2hsdFkjrEtsgET3zy5iHnlJFzio3rUOMjXwboX6v_QCepkL8YKwS-3hMae6vx3ZW9C8gydB7j6kRSmggnyHqDxn5_2juFQDBMwRkuUwIE_J3sA5KUUc3grQ84nJWVV2EqmJwodct/s320/DSC01463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pharmacy jars from Rhodes </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
( St John's Gate, Clerkenwell)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVG6GYeFLN9XMXEllLrHxnaZSxsjI3p9Y7gjYgr1pwdmp4mwdqZRzZ758DErjtnPFDsYMrF-d4AZDVxHz03KqJ2_fbNEMrnEZ867iQ6MGMKG48OQDgP0keGV7_cnwyalbVsxTm51-60Aj/s1600/DSC01462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVG6GYeFLN9XMXEllLrHxnaZSxsjI3p9Y7gjYgr1pwdmp4mwdqZRzZ758DErjtnPFDsYMrF-d4AZDVxHz03KqJ2_fbNEMrnEZ867iQ6MGMKG48OQDgP0keGV7_cnwyalbVsxTm51-60Aj/s320/DSC01462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pharmacy jars bearing the arms of Grand Master Fra' Phillipe Villiers de l'Isle-Adam</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(1521-1523)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(St John's Gate, Clerkenwell)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition to his responsibility for the Conventual Hospital the grand hospitaller was also head of those services that the Order provided for the poor, for widows and orphans and those struck by misfortune in general. Since the 12th century the office of the <i>elemosinaruis</i> looked after the homeless. The General Chapter of 1182 outlined measures that could be taken for the relief of the poor. Penniless newly weds for instance were given a gift on their wedding day and prisoners released from jail money to start a new life. The Hospital was to provide subsistence for thirty paupers including five clerics and that anyone who needed it was entitled to food, bread and wine three times a week. Every Saturday during Lent, thirteen paupers, including three clerics were fed clothed and given a small sum of money. The <i>elemosinarius</i> also oversaw a team of workers who repair old shoes and clothes for the poor. The General Chapter of 1182 also decreed that orphans were to be brought up in the hospital.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Order also provided a service responsible for measures promoting public health and the prevention of epidemics which were frequent and virulent in the Middle Ages. <i>Domini sanitatis</i> were set up in 1503. Two health commissioners, one Latin and one Greek wee elected annually to impose strict measures against the plague which included control of landings from shipping and on occasion forty days of isolation, segregation measures for lepers and measures to keep rubbish out of the sea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A second smaller entrance to the Hospital leads from the Street of the Knights via a marble staircase to the upper storey. The original wooden doors were carved and bore the coat-of-arms of Grand Master Fra' Pierre d'Aubusson. An inscription carved in the stone above the entrance states that Fra' Pierre Clouet, an official of the Order completed the hospital in 1489.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5w3wai9hPdPFLyZZ-zujR2rOFeWXUXcaLUmZn1wWNpus7-ERchLmLZ7KUuicSyG8CifB0KOFvfk3n9SVuFrm8lxl7bW38tkGJo-Ibqd4XD981nnTckLXDC84dq6o5Rd58Kv4HzFBFUSc/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5w3wai9hPdPFLyZZ-zujR2rOFeWXUXcaLUmZn1wWNpus7-ERchLmLZ7KUuicSyG8CifB0KOFvfk3n9SVuFrm8lxl7bW38tkGJo-Ibqd4XD981nnTckLXDC84dq6o5Rd58Kv4HzFBFUSc/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham291.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
In spite of the great expense of maintaining such a magnificent establishment, the Conventual Hospital was of the greatest importance to the Order of St John not only as a religious obligation and source of ideological strength but also as a symbolic showpiece to impress visitors from the West who would take back with them the resulting image and in doing so helping to justify the Order's extensive possessions and privileges across Europe.Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-56904784546839401362015-05-23T11:39:00.003-07:002015-05-23T11:39:56.549-07:00Dinmore CommanderyDinmore was the third richest commandery belonging to the Order of St John in the Priory of England. (Wales and Scotland formed part of the English priory). Its estates stretched from Shropshire through the Welsh marches to the Severn and west into Gwent and Glamorgan.<br />
<br />
Dinmore was founded before 1170 by a brother of the Order named Thomas in the reign of Henry II. A brother William was the first commander. The gift was confirmed in 1190 by a charter granted by Richard 1 ( the Lionheart) who added a further gift of his own and conceding the privilege that any disputes concerning the property could be tried by a royal court and before a royal justice. The charter was witnessed by Archbishop Baldwin an ardent protagonist of he Crusades. King John prohibited the sheriff of Hereford from disturbing the brethren or their tenant sin the county. On 9 September 1251 Henry III granted the Hospitallers hunting privileges and free warren on their estates at Dinmore.<br />
<br />
Dinmore is six miles north of the city of Hereford on a commanding site almost on the summit of Dinmore Hill with extensive views aver the country to the southeast. Little is known about the plan of the original domestic buildings as the house on the site has been almost entirely rebuilt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkyKLRyzifdxQN5OIjqyC2rSC7-AKQaGIGCZPepXKS-O2clRnElEY8BhKYlqjihTq5AI6LZ0V1I7B7Ay5YL3DjPZ1a1VlhuRUIlnfjvVhV0t438KTb8k1zz1mJIpcn479FmLoq_ffOQXG/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkyKLRyzifdxQN5OIjqyC2rSC7-AKQaGIGCZPepXKS-O2clRnElEY8BhKYlqjihTq5AI6LZ0V1I7B7Ay5YL3DjPZ1a1VlhuRUIlnfjvVhV0t438KTb8k1zz1mJIpcn479FmLoq_ffOQXG/s320/digiScanLtd.com+Graham175.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The only building on the site to date from the Knight's occupation is the commandery chapel, to the south of the manor house. This small building, of considerable beauty is of Norman origin that appears to have been reconstructed in the 14th century when the east end of the building was extended and the tower built at the west end. The chapel consists of a nave with a north porch and a west tower with a tall spire. At the apex of the west end of the chapel is the patriarchal cross of Jerusalem.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8APKmdfqtF_sXjGDW4W8GrbnSC9J64k2FPMXfkBOZpFShJiFZ5YCBnNduwijUEUGD6NSyvtrr8n7L85F7R1q3uZSuxrX4ELEdkjgqQPuEFCIqww4P6Mzev3GkndJSr4nS1hKlAzNapKb/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8APKmdfqtF_sXjGDW4W8GrbnSC9J64k2FPMXfkBOZpFShJiFZ5YCBnNduwijUEUGD6NSyvtrr8n7L85F7R1q3uZSuxrX4ELEdkjgqQPuEFCIqww4P6Mzev3GkndJSr4nS1hKlAzNapKb/s320/digiScanLtd.com+Graham089.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNtzw6-JwLzJ2JwbskDsl0rQF4iao5EODXNMvOF9fJpOAFnE3GucAltHoU11TnHuViVr4K3nJmjaSQC7DoFjODeIiV5AOek6XD-hroo761stM7qtqiqFAiBJEtmvVoCNIvjkaiuPT4_CM/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNtzw6-JwLzJ2JwbskDsl0rQF4iao5EODXNMvOF9fJpOAFnE3GucAltHoU11TnHuViVr4K3nJmjaSQC7DoFjODeIiV5AOek6XD-hroo761stM7qtqiqFAiBJEtmvVoCNIvjkaiuPT4_CM/s320/digiScanLtd.com+Graham090.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-67266627474269089732015-05-15T11:25:00.000-07:002015-05-23T13:10:59.149-07:00St Elizabeth, ParisThe former convent chapel of the Franciscan Sisters was dedicated to St Elizabeth of Hungary on 14th April, 1646. The foundation stone had been laid by Queen Marie de Medici on the 14th April, 1628. The church was designed by architect Paul de Gonde, the future archbishop of Retz. The Convent of the Franciscan Sisters owned the church until the Revolution. During the Revolution it was used a warehouse for animal feed and was then given over to the Cult of the Concordant. The building only became used as a church again in 1829, as the parish church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtthcSQeQnxIZ46pz0lXxjykdOvEmqlSPuDYgEiBuq3afrM_HkLuTqbydh4r_nWUxm5xHVU4daYipLXu7hJY88uuxoivo3hyphenhyphenaXJeW3YbPAv-yxl8RYgusAyAJTECQOa8NVSLYjglxCwVz/s1600/DSC_5472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtthcSQeQnxIZ46pz0lXxjykdOvEmqlSPuDYgEiBuq3afrM_HkLuTqbydh4r_nWUxm5xHVU4daYipLXu7hJY88uuxoivo3hyphenhyphenaXJeW3YbPAv-yxl8RYgusAyAJTECQOa8NVSLYjglxCwVz/s320/DSC_5472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 1938 the Archdiocese of Paris gave St Elizabeth to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. It is now the mother church of the Order of Malta in France.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8b8BdfsYipxiClSGwSqlfM1xK51SYQ6KxDFrrhbd5pcLeZ1hVSTTFI_xwgk0mXXoFKMa1VRMcklGCRPirNDhQG4klKoLs8OQAobKmOgCsBo-9dlceAuWe4bLhVhUN97eJBvuPwrVaa11c/s1600/DSC_5481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8b8BdfsYipxiClSGwSqlfM1xK51SYQ6KxDFrrhbd5pcLeZ1hVSTTFI_xwgk0mXXoFKMa1VRMcklGCRPirNDhQG4klKoLs8OQAobKmOgCsBo-9dlceAuWe4bLhVhUN97eJBvuPwrVaa11c/s320/DSC_5481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
St Elizabeth is on the rue de Temple, just down the street from the Temple Gardens, site of the former Prioral Palace. Father Xavier showed me five paintings in the church depicting the buildings of the enclave of the Temple, including of the church of St Mary of the Temple, the tower and the palace. The most poignant painting depicts the parting of King Louis XVI from his family three days before his execution. The royal family had been held captive in the tower of the Temple after being taken there from the Tuileries. On the orders of Napoleon, the Temple was raised to prevent it from becoming a place of pilgrimage to the martyred royal family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXckG83djvzRLoSjpv7mUfE4ueKxcNphR1SoxiMryNaisUrjf3Ty57T8QHbX5DmpnYTuZjozqvj1HDed3EkuDklEjNxsXHMSLKm_nhXmxKXTEDhgDrx5W_xjh952-dNhj8JvdaGPtRymH/s1600/DSC_5477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXckG83djvzRLoSjpv7mUfE4ueKxcNphR1SoxiMryNaisUrjf3Ty57T8QHbX5DmpnYTuZjozqvj1HDed3EkuDklEjNxsXHMSLKm_nhXmxKXTEDhgDrx5W_xjh952-dNhj8JvdaGPtRymH/s320/DSC_5477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The sculpture of tower of the Temple was carved from a piece of stone from the demolished edifice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4-c-DpzGyGE6UJlCu9y7FeRueQqX57mVuxWqMAfE3hDPYocu_Tc9i6NGzY44Rtcz40m678hYlT_Qdb89UaL-Us7yLAy8c0gKn7agYnJL7U0ZP92tBZkHJYx09wKPm0bFS2FQ9yVw5UbK/s1600/DSC_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4-c-DpzGyGE6UJlCu9y7FeRueQqX57mVuxWqMAfE3hDPYocu_Tc9i6NGzY44Rtcz40m678hYlT_Qdb89UaL-Us7yLAy8c0gKn7agYnJL7U0ZP92tBZkHJYx09wKPm0bFS2FQ9yVw5UbK/s320/DSC_5475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-27463615585342341512015-05-03T02:31:00.000-07:002015-05-03T02:31:16.043-07:00St George, Qormi (Citta Pinto)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Qormi was one of the ten original parishes of Malta. The present church dedicated to St George is the thrid building on the site dates from 1585, incorporating the site and stones from the earlier structures. St George was enlarged in 1684 by Lorenzo Gafa with an elegant facade, a cruciform shape and an imposing dome. The church was dedicated on 6th May 1731.<br />
.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosCQDQCWmboXmWlgwjlDAaTiLzpR8fxPf_TxEYbuWXj82DccXtmSL1yXx9TkdSy-wAPwFu-_Ih9H4GJrpcKKSMybxpJu2CZ_WJaztiQZFw7YkDd1jBCeqqpgLYEhThD79lTm1Ha8f3ab0/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosCQDQCWmboXmWlgwjlDAaTiLzpR8fxPf_TxEYbuWXj82DccXtmSL1yXx9TkdSy-wAPwFu-_Ih9H4GJrpcKKSMybxpJu2CZ_WJaztiQZFw7YkDd1jBCeqqpgLYEhThD79lTm1Ha8f3ab0/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham306.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The titular painting of <i>St George the Martyr</i> is the last known work by Mattia Preti.Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-27936869759426946562015-05-02T12:44:00.000-07:002015-05-02T12:44:45.282-07:00Compesieres CommanderyIn 1270 the bishop of Geneva granted the village church of Compesieres to the Order of St John. Over time the Hospitallers developed an important commandery next to the church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsGtUl2E93FvI4oI-uDqiYkqGvdCrKeQUGjnCMAR98UIrqciAbd-_moZzEHtwi9moSyKCJei3KxMkIAVHzsfJfPRCCCi65F9kvw8_yBKrg4sSzp1Hyf9MUoJwDUIWLcAx3oyEbD_IEjdQ/s1600/DSC_4547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsGtUl2E93FvI4oI-uDqiYkqGvdCrKeQUGjnCMAR98UIrqciAbd-_moZzEHtwi9moSyKCJei3KxMkIAVHzsfJfPRCCCi65F9kvw8_yBKrg4sSzp1Hyf9MUoJwDUIWLcAx3oyEbD_IEjdQ/s1600/DSC_4547.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The present castle dates from the 15th century and was probably completed by the Commander of Luyrieux (1439-1452).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZTM_IEqHNiJNbd91hPE5JGRO2D4WD8AK3CJ0dkXF0-VEN0qIs6Bgu0KVoA3WVJNnU6kyvU4o8U0UX9Z5hCltAKV0wu9lMxKP79rcgK8SSP8iDQWhbY30d6CgUFi42b-06aAKV06kaI_U/s1600/DSC_4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZTM_IEqHNiJNbd91hPE5JGRO2D4WD8AK3CJ0dkXF0-VEN0qIs6Bgu0KVoA3WVJNnU6kyvU4o8U0UX9Z5hCltAKV0wu9lMxKP79rcgK8SSP8iDQWhbY30d6CgUFi42b-06aAKV06kaI_U/s1600/DSC_4590.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
During the Protestant Reformation Compesieres was taken from the Order by force in 1536. Although the commandery was nominally returned in 1564 it was held by the Protestants of Bern and Geneva until the Treaty of Savoy handed complete control back to the Order in 1598.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoKENgiD_aDlGTmwFcHf2PDacdGm31iRPtz672FvAAY5cIr7ueWuPrbVkC6UWxOaVjUcOyKsXRI3CMvm8k6GR1udfUhJnrDXRuHQ5F_pmOoDHIiP7yCckC_G4a6HYM8FOFWsD18Vq8ejo/s1600/DSC_4584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoKENgiD_aDlGTmwFcHf2PDacdGm31iRPtz672FvAAY5cIr7ueWuPrbVkC6UWxOaVjUcOyKsXRI3CMvm8k6GR1udfUhJnrDXRuHQ5F_pmOoDHIiP7yCckC_G4a6HYM8FOFWsD18Vq8ejo/s1600/DSC_4584.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Commandery was restored by Fra' Jacques of Cordon d'Evieu, the Order's Marshall and Commander of Compesieres. Among his improvements were fortifications around the entrance, which no longer exist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgepJhkKpz4o8YxDs64FTFtOV-oyf9XevKEtuHDHlWqS8uSE6U9cJKk_y4npd99XvQBSDxfZAl8NKcqIqfSK1Lprm7yVTeuNtKAhE5Dlt18ysARYsNSZxvz230uP0Ua02qoxClZZ6toOJ/s1600/DSC_4543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgepJhkKpz4o8YxDs64FTFtOV-oyf9XevKEtuHDHlWqS8uSE6U9cJKk_y4npd99XvQBSDxfZAl8NKcqIqfSK1Lprm7yVTeuNtKAhE5Dlt18ysARYsNSZxvz230uP0Ua02qoxClZZ6toOJ/s1600/DSC_4543.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Commander Fra' L.G.E. de Tulle de Villefranche left Compesieres after the French Revolution in 1792. In 1816 Compesieres was given to Switzerland by France and the Kingdom of Sardinia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHvW_FRzri0w7TZvqoQ60_wjKnEC5eVcanRsWs0PCXUWt86PflYn06K3mRo9AEdOD7Ja1cqOqhCSPp8lnyehAE9tdPgE-se-2-QQPFkJ_NQEkNsnimb79nbjbAoVjrkF0SwajtvItJzgz/s1600/DSC_4537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHvW_FRzri0w7TZvqoQ60_wjKnEC5eVcanRsWs0PCXUWt86PflYn06K3mRo9AEdOD7Ja1cqOqhCSPp8lnyehAE9tdPgE-se-2-QQPFkJ_NQEkNsnimb79nbjbAoVjrkF0SwajtvItJzgz/s1600/DSC_4537.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1822 the ownership of the commandery was transferred to the municipality of Bardonnex. In 1955 the municipality gave a room in the castle to the Order of Malta to house a small museum on the history of the Order and of the Commandery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fillX8Lv5goehhsDIwKBtE9nNWT7DfcOZ1jQRR2dBbV1u4YJuovI52dZzprhWubp2CA8JlZ56HGFQihifg3wcxvOxVD7FQ5C4jfH71vYCzQExV-G6CVlTdJzH9k0VSHQOJpZb9ja9KM7/s1600/DSC_4540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fillX8Lv5goehhsDIwKBtE9nNWT7DfcOZ1jQRR2dBbV1u4YJuovI52dZzprhWubp2CA8JlZ56HGFQihifg3wcxvOxVD7FQ5C4jfH71vYCzQExV-G6CVlTdJzH9k0VSHQOJpZb9ja9KM7/s1600/DSC_4540.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-10921232562522403932015-04-23T11:33:00.000-07:002015-04-23T11:33:41.917-07:00St Mary, Birkirkara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The old parish church of St Mary Birkirkara was begun in the early 1600's by Vittorio Cassar and completed in 1617 by Tommaso Dingli. The tower and the interior are designed by Cassar and the facade by Dingli.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xUD9pux78C6jSQqTKmG8ZXtFTkTfO0IEzFvDZdSDLodfID49TNdDzLz34rvxVy1VR6gWWiyWMmLgwq82f5uNQZXq3msVPJKJ0B7-SrkHMBFcquyJh4q3g06cWCo32fBK308lJU7bTKzt/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xUD9pux78C6jSQqTKmG8ZXtFTkTfO0IEzFvDZdSDLodfID49TNdDzLz34rvxVy1VR6gWWiyWMmLgwq82f5uNQZXq3msVPJKJ0B7-SrkHMBFcquyJh4q3g06cWCo32fBK308lJU7bTKzt/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham223.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
St Mary has some of the finest carved stone decoration in Malta, on the facade and especially in the interior. There is a tradition that the craftsman was a Sicilian criminal who had sought refuge in the church. this is unlikely as the carving at Tommaso Dingli's earlier church at Attard seems to have been by the same hand. The beautiful church fell into disrepair and is now undergoing restoration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxXi75QD3JSnibn7bOXYUBy3kpwgBancaE9l5mfpDb55jF8OeCQlEao8eL5s018-MxHkn8dGGKTHt16dgrQ4RSPKYdUfO6tX_RUSdqbjRYagGWYWqBsOrXQum9FzqFSlpn2omHalLpLOb/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxXi75QD3JSnibn7bOXYUBy3kpwgBancaE9l5mfpDb55jF8OeCQlEao8eL5s018-MxHkn8dGGKTHt16dgrQ4RSPKYdUfO6tX_RUSdqbjRYagGWYWqBsOrXQum9FzqFSlpn2omHalLpLOb/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham295.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnKrrfiv9WejynUR-4yakbxh2mPrX_csTEpyPzycPyvWowqc4_EcUvuiwXzInuJCKsCUHhwAzueGDzLtNWSBFrqj1cVxN12I7-psTyhc1-iV9jtLS5L_X2J9pUYLCMkie1UhyksfQXhQi/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnKrrfiv9WejynUR-4yakbxh2mPrX_csTEpyPzycPyvWowqc4_EcUvuiwXzInuJCKsCUHhwAzueGDzLtNWSBFrqj1cVxN12I7-psTyhc1-iV9jtLS5L_X2J9pUYLCMkie1UhyksfQXhQi/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham225.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-2344430164846734352015-04-17T08:58:00.000-07:002015-04-18T07:50:30.591-07:00La CouvertoiradeLa Couvertoirade had belonged to the Knights Templar since the area was given to them by the Viscount of Millau in the 12th century. The Templars built the fortress in the course of the 12th and 13th centuries and the village that grew up around it. La Couvertoirade formed part of the extensive estates administered from the Commandery of Sainte-Eulalie de Cernon. The Templars chose the site because of the dome of exposed limestone that meant good foundations and a ready supply of material for building a castle. Also for the <i>Lavognes</i>, the natural drinking pools in this arid region that provided a reliable source of water for their sheep on the trails connecting the summer and winter pastures; the transhumance routes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOUkkGRhAL0GDpDbElAyLEMxvWdntaTERaIrURvLwEN7s60FFQYtxYdnSdDfJxG_DGZThxNTWrx1QhQugwCGHZtpejqfb8M2lA0XgsMCPvDSSyaS63N33qgdbIy0yKCCMMtKUw40MAmUg/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOUkkGRhAL0GDpDbElAyLEMxvWdntaTERaIrURvLwEN7s60FFQYtxYdnSdDfJxG_DGZThxNTWrx1QhQugwCGHZtpejqfb8M2lA0XgsMCPvDSSyaS63N33qgdbIy0yKCCMMtKUw40MAmUg/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham003.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Following the Dissolution of the Knights Templar in 1312 La Couvertoirade passed into the hands of the Order of St John who built the church. The village became an important staging post for pilgrims making their way south to Santiago da Compostella, Rome and the Holy Land. In 1328 there were 135 "fires" in the village and between 540 and 600 inhabitants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh46L6d6xAI4DrJM9M-WeaJ4JlQQfwtFqSqnGpwyTizu0jPX_4UCfLO2xPoSpzF3J0DVn-mlrmCMlfN5LcQQ6vHbTT1AhcZoJB3uJ2V3UGKtc4i_eteVOmCh-JykfUtnQCIzgDgi2JXvLz/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh46L6d6xAI4DrJM9M-WeaJ4JlQQfwtFqSqnGpwyTizu0jPX_4UCfLO2xPoSpzF3J0DVn-mlrmCMlfN5LcQQ6vHbTT1AhcZoJB3uJ2V3UGKtc4i_eteVOmCh-JykfUtnQCIzgDgi2JXvLz/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham233.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Between 1439 and 1442 the Knights of St John built the high curtain wall and the five square and round towers around the village.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgxNyWm5vP0XF3yVIyCFUhorwgI_ckJNqk-nHJmaXLtefbQ2PV0RHgjWaQKpOU6TkI4kvqTF_gFthCJjMIOfTBBWgIPiDajUM2SElfo_Lk3GA_33SHVTL_mKLhN5kaBPMRje4Zg_NSP_b/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgxNyWm5vP0XF3yVIyCFUhorwgI_ckJNqk-nHJmaXLtefbQ2PV0RHgjWaQKpOU6TkI4kvqTF_gFthCJjMIOfTBBWgIPiDajUM2SElfo_Lk3GA_33SHVTL_mKLhN5kaBPMRje4Zg_NSP_b/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham260.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
La Couvertoirade in particular and the Larzac in general prospered in the peace following the end of the 100 Years War in 1453. Many of the houses in La Couvertoirade date from this period. The characteristic houses have sheep folds on the ground floor and a flight of stone steps that leads to the accommodation above.<br />
<br />
The walls protected the village again during the Wars of Religion. La Couvertoirade was besieged by the Huguenots and the siege was only lifted when the bishop of Lodeve rode to its rescue in 1562.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXy9lmFrgmamBN6ROlr5DF9vL0uf9F9LkHswPoJqkz2Vz7lkrN6B56EukSjNFgEFk2m1mvAG-gvU4BlZ6q3l_qEMrafJtu9tTgFAyY19CZwGU5_svv5WwGj6blA_t8T3cAvKKioGfCIRH/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXy9lmFrgmamBN6ROlr5DF9vL0uf9F9LkHswPoJqkz2Vz7lkrN6B56EukSjNFgEFk2m1mvAG-gvU4BlZ6q3l_qEMrafJtu9tTgFAyY19CZwGU5_svv5WwGj6blA_t8T3cAvKKioGfCIRH/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham262.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Along with all of the Hospitaller's properties in the Larzac, La Couvertoirade was able to prosper during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, as some of the beautiful houses in the village show. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IYWmUGlkc5rGgsSLOfQdZj_pxNSKQ2lq2oDBUZzg1WwGtIy2ojJTX581wYJoMFr63On_q3HpMKemfrvE6qxKsmq_CbGMHEXF-NSdly9LLZeHNtT433F-fhyJASzXvI4Rlj7H8MiSFo0W/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IYWmUGlkc5rGgsSLOfQdZj_pxNSKQ2lq2oDBUZzg1WwGtIy2ojJTX581wYJoMFr63On_q3HpMKemfrvE6qxKsmq_CbGMHEXF-NSdly9LLZeHNtT433F-fhyJASzXvI4Rlj7H8MiSFo0W/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham263.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The last commander of Sainte-Eulalie and of La Couvertoirade was Fra' Riquetti Mirabeau. During the Revolution religious orders of the Church were abolished and the long ownership of La Couvertoirade by the Order of St John was overJimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-69504567303948545672015-04-12T11:58:00.000-07:002015-04-12T11:58:06.622-07:00St Philip, Zebbug (Citta Rohan)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The original parish church of Zebbug dedicated to St Philip of Agira was built in 1380. It was replaced in the late 17th century by the present church designed by Tommaso Dingli. Under the Knights of St John, Zebbug was one of the principal towns on the island and in 1777 was bestowed with the title Citta Rohan, by Grand Master Emmanuel Rohan-Polduc. The magnificence of the church is due in large part to the number of leading corsairs who lived in the parish and endowed St Phillip in gratitude for their good fortune.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The magnificent titular painting is by Luca Garnier. There are also two murals by Fransceco Zahra, an 18th Maltese painter of the school of Favray and a Guido Reni. During the French Revolutionary regime (1798-1800) the Maltese churches were plundered to finance Napoleon's campaign, however the people of Zabbar when they heard that the French were coming opened the church doors and hid all the church gold and silver. When the French saw that the church doors were open they passed by, leaving St Philip with its treasure intact.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Qt4o4vE6kDfN5zRE-y599qFyFpkW4jnJETLn7n_hchWq3g1-hZTAbdyGQDqByMv1b4kQ9JpLinSIBxAdbCCCgZ5lifjXQmbFGqMAEOV5vDIxxcEBmQY1_pNuQdMSTHulKkbqL97lnXC9/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Qt4o4vE6kDfN5zRE-y599qFyFpkW4jnJETLn7n_hchWq3g1-hZTAbdyGQDqByMv1b4kQ9JpLinSIBxAdbCCCgZ5lifjXQmbFGqMAEOV5vDIxxcEBmQY1_pNuQdMSTHulKkbqL97lnXC9/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham307.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-4630456549045508662015-04-10T13:01:00.002-07:002015-04-10T13:01:13.553-07:00Yeaveley (Stydd) Commandery In the Doomsday Book Yeaveley was made up of two manors, Yeaveley and Stydd. During the reign of King Richard I (the Lion Heart) (1189-1199), in 1190, Ralph le Fun of Yeaveley gave the Order of St John a house at Stydd, together with lands, woods and mills. These together formed the nucleus of the commandery of Yeaveley. The commandery was to receive a substantial increase in its revenues when in 1268, Sir William Meynell gave the Order significant property in the nearby town of Ashbourne.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9OdE2zDvZzMKecG1AbayFnfTfGiuUVJeWKf5ljRimYcUYGUGQWlVAmPpuV_GVRk5oMGXuHH8HB5a1cWO2de_yGC8opJ9K3Ld5wg2l5irci8UXfatxUaTgLbf_UU8tUckH6rzBSkN4Yxj/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9OdE2zDvZzMKecG1AbayFnfTfGiuUVJeWKf5ljRimYcUYGUGQWlVAmPpuV_GVRk5oMGXuHH8HB5a1cWO2de_yGC8opJ9K3Ld5wg2l5irci8UXfatxUaTgLbf_UU8tUckH6rzBSkN4Yxj/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham182.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In 1338 when Prior de Thame inquired into the state of the Order in England the Commander of Yeaveley was Fra' Henry de Bakewell who was both commander and chaplain. He was born of 'gentle' parents and was professed priest who before joining the Order. The other fully professed member of the Order living at Yeavely was Fra' Thomas de Batheley, a serving brother who had served for five years in the Convent at Rhodes before being appointed to his post at the commandery. both brothers received an annual allowance of £1 for their robes, 6s 8d for their mantles and 8s for other expenses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJbv2n0yTiFZNNyiuJv37so_3l1KcSOsNFLwY5I28_NLJVbKBAdmPfsmKonWwCLeHYkqOAVGQRK2MlZKNfQdHAeSSqvSnVFMQ-sO8arsWtn1EIngDdFVT8rrZASukQjN27g96J6ummwM0/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJbv2n0yTiFZNNyiuJv37so_3l1KcSOsNFLwY5I28_NLJVbKBAdmPfsmKonWwCLeHYkqOAVGQRK2MlZKNfQdHAeSSqvSnVFMQ-sO8arsWtn1EIngDdFVT8rrZASukQjN27g96J6ummwM0/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham070.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The others living at the commandery included John Bray who was a donat. a layman who had given his property to the Order iin return for living at the commandery and being supported bythe Order. he was given 22s 8d for his robe and other expenses, was allowed to wear the white six-pointed cross of the Order but was excused compulsory attendence at chapel because he was not a poroffessed member of the Ordr. Then there were two corrodaries William Warde and William Pistori and two pensioners William of Impyngton and Robert Brex.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNlhv386KhxjkhDzD5pnUmpQfGzB8Wbc9BHEbjBeMzLCS02LedyqSrkv46XL-HPhqgPGdEgivWHW7AB99Q7d-IQLecItZftZFD9dvB1-yc-KL6MPrF9dVeqe5azS4DgODArX3i0WhgzKI/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNlhv386KhxjkhDzD5pnUmpQfGzB8Wbc9BHEbjBeMzLCS02LedyqSrkv46XL-HPhqgPGdEgivWHW7AB99Q7d-IQLecItZftZFD9dvB1-yc-KL6MPrF9dVeqe5azS4DgODArX3i0WhgzKI/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham071.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Tudor mansion was erected on the site of the former commandery after the Dissolution.Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-76876713121310006572015-04-08T09:07:00.001-07:002015-04-10T07:57:37.612-07:00Annunciation of Our Lady, Balzan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The small village of Balzan was elevated to the status of a parish in the 17th century. The village was named after Maximillian Balzan a Spanish merchant who settled in Malta in 1567. He was granted the land where the village now stands for services to the Order of St John.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The parish church dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady dates from the mid 17th century in the form of a Latin cross, with one belfry and an elegant dome. The foundation stone was laid in 1669 and the church was completed in 1693. The facade is rather unusual with elongated pilasters and rich lace-like decoration that give it a Spanish feel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTaEDbhAQ0ikLv9ryQWPvZrzA4Zax_EFM4OOvTyCDHOixVhpyE8ZSS8NwFE1bvexH2JSjK0k2jCIUxRfiDwiOucDEBBuHmY7Ixn7SbDzJLlrtCVasvILlTyBxY3qZF9a05mllkz1Wo5VP/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTaEDbhAQ0ikLv9ryQWPvZrzA4Zax_EFM4OOvTyCDHOixVhpyE8ZSS8NwFE1bvexH2JSjK0k2jCIUxRfiDwiOucDEBBuHmY7Ixn7SbDzJLlrtCVasvILlTyBxY3qZF9a05mllkz1Wo5VP/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham227.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-36476239654156167012015-04-07T12:09:00.001-07:002015-04-12T11:35:32.814-07:00St Lawrence, VittoriosaThe Church of St Lawrence on the waterfront of Birgu is one of the oldest churches in Malta having been founded in 1090, soon after the Arabs were driven out of the island by the Normans. Originally a small chapel, it was rebuilt in 1508. With the arrival of the Order of St John in 1530 St Lawrence became the Conventual Church and remained so until 1571 when the Order moved their seat from Vittoriosa to Valletta.<br />
<br />
In 1681 the Church of St Lawrence was rebuilt to the design of Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa. The foundation stone was laid in May 1681 and it was consecrated on 10th August that year in the presence of the newly elected Grand Master Roccaful y Perellos; the Apostolic Delegate and Inquisitor, Monseigneur Tommas Ruffo and the Bishop of Malta, Monseigneur Davide Cocco Palmieri with several members of the Council of the Order of St John<br />
<br />
St Lawrence is a magnificent building consisting of a principal nave and two side naves, a choir and two large side chapels surmounted by a beautiful cupola.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE6wWlvdXKD-NfiC76muHt_WyLyPpqII2bfBEotwjR13Hfj-xwtBt99YeFdxZrgMzS4-6f7Dj1aMTFNSO0UkN872vdUEmOAmE57hxyFmOzrJyxgi1-eW5J4Aw9AxHoo3_K0Oc0yH8oVUC/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE6wWlvdXKD-NfiC76muHt_WyLyPpqII2bfBEotwjR13Hfj-xwtBt99YeFdxZrgMzS4-6f7Dj1aMTFNSO0UkN872vdUEmOAmE57hxyFmOzrJyxgi1-eW5J4Aw9AxHoo3_K0Oc0yH8oVUC/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham615.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After the Inquistion came to Malta and the Inquisitor took up residence in his Palace in Main Gate in Vittoriosa, the church of St Lawrence became known as the church of the Inquisitors. His seat in the church was even provided with plump velvet cushions.<br />
<br />
Annexed to the church is the Chapter Hall and the Treasury. Among the treasures are some church vestments brought from Rhodes, a green apparel donated by Grand Master Cardinal D'Aubusson in 1476 to the Church of St john in Rhodes, which include two dalmatics, a chasuble and a cope. There are also two other chasubles presented by Grand Inquisitors, Ruffo (1694-1698), later created Cardinal, and Chigi (1634-1639) who was elected Pope Alexander VII.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-86525111743647441392015-03-17T12:31:00.000-07:002015-03-17T12:31:17.353-07:00St Cecilia Tower, Ghajnsielem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
St Cecilia Tower, at the edge of the village of Ghajnsielem is a notable landmark on the road from Mgarr Harbour to the Citadel. Built in 1613 by Fra' Bernado de Macedonia, the Knight Commander of the Artillery Corps to bolster the, meagre, defences of Gozo. The tower could relay messages from one end of the island to the other, from the Tower of Mgarr-ix-Xini in the south to the Ramla Battery on the north-east coast. St Cecilia Tower could also have provided a secure refuge for the local population in an emergency. The tower took its name from the small Medieval chapel nearby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjU5YDpIRtgE4XFz8K9rGcIwblii19C1uoqnn8Cc0gVSN6aGRoQYAMynl4WqvnWYVvagEdkys4Aj2ENKjjqb-F5Q2Y1k8BGVMOe17KmFb_plU6h-4xWwrkOhyjDEKOqGHCQjTjLTcn1kd/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjU5YDpIRtgE4XFz8K9rGcIwblii19C1uoqnn8Cc0gVSN6aGRoQYAMynl4WqvnWYVvagEdkys4Aj2ENKjjqb-F5Q2Y1k8BGVMOe17KmFb_plU6h-4xWwrkOhyjDEKOqGHCQjTjLTcn1kd/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham067.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-37168119727191472002015-03-15T12:03:00.002-07:002015-03-15T12:03:41.275-07:00Assumption of Our Lady, GozoAccording to tradition the earliest church dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady on Gozo was built in the first century AD, during the advent of St Paul the Apostle who converted the Maltese to Christianity. It was erected on the site of a pagan temple. During the Arab occupation of the islands the church of the Assumption fell into decay and it was only after the expulsion of the Arabs by Count Roger the Norman that the church was restored.<br />
<br />
During the rule of the Order of St John, the Governor of Gozo sat in a decorated chair in the church on the side of the Gospel but outside the presbytery. He was entitled to <i>Incense</i> and <i>Pax </i>before the chapter and also to full military honours on arrival and departure from the island, similar to a Knight Grand Cross. In 1623 the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady was made a Collegiate church by Pope Urban VIII, following the intercession of Bishop Cagliares. The Jurats of Gozo had special stalls in the church and like the Governor were entitled to <i>Incense</i> and <i>Pax, </i>after the clergy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0Qv73isdFwtSVkHY4czTdxvpK1TJzkOm6eVVdI22AiDRe04zQ_J8IeGlHOC_dvhn0XNM2-EiPe7uF9l6foQYePSpbXkUROFuyg98CpELrkgXHCgIEEVPIbGCFmuqdwxSIhnjN8detseX/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0Qv73isdFwtSVkHY4czTdxvpK1TJzkOm6eVVdI22AiDRe04zQ_J8IeGlHOC_dvhn0XNM2-EiPe7uF9l6foQYePSpbXkUROFuyg98CpELrkgXHCgIEEVPIbGCFmuqdwxSIhnjN8detseX/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham064.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The present building was erected in 1697 to the design of Maltese architect, Lorenzo Gafa. Ironically for one of the great designers of the Baroque dome, the dome of the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady was never built. Instead the void was filled in and painted with a <i>trompe l'oeil</i> panel by Antonio Manuele of Messina.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88u-YlyInLXQhqzNtYM64NjAT4wobcGAdcPaxKEcI7UGTXnJRzCS0epNJ4lmFOgYT0U1tlypNsaSttT_e3EbT8kZTpOnJmoTcypnIdya4L5cmFTUARjcN3Q_jL_X_87PTvC3f4bj1L4qs/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88u-YlyInLXQhqzNtYM64NjAT4wobcGAdcPaxKEcI7UGTXnJRzCS0epNJ4lmFOgYT0U1tlypNsaSttT_e3EbT8kZTpOnJmoTcypnIdya4L5cmFTUARjcN3Q_jL_X_87PTvC3f4bj1L4qs/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham065.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
By a Bull of 16th September 1864, Pope Pius IX raised the Collegiate Church to the status of a cathedral.<br />
<br />
<br />Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413952350829280553.post-10328338983532281292015-03-14T13:14:00.000-07:002015-03-31T13:02:23.662-07:00Caravaggio in MaltaOn 14 July 1608, the painter Fra' Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was formally admitted as a Knight of Malta before the Council of the Order in Valletta. A mercurial charterer who had been forced to flee Rome and sought refuge in Naples before arriving in Malta in July, he was the most famous artist of the day and a painter at the height of his powers.The Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt, a cultured man was keen to bring the most talented artists to Malta, to embellish Valletta and more specifically the Conventual Church of St John. Caravaggio was welcomed with open arms and showered with honours, even though he was an outlaw and a refugee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv58ZtrckOdWBq8VRH7wsfgSoFMerkNkwVX3pCNRCxRkU2hHcEZ-_cHIpWGOGM9L8y_C1_s-XRx4cgaYxH5rDZnqMysnl7CimPYSKVyVPmDkGxKUtLRxWpTV4Xqpnmn6-m4RD9rYuh177M/s1600/Scan0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv58ZtrckOdWBq8VRH7wsfgSoFMerkNkwVX3pCNRCxRkU2hHcEZ-_cHIpWGOGM9L8y_C1_s-XRx4cgaYxH5rDZnqMysnl7CimPYSKVyVPmDkGxKUtLRxWpTV4Xqpnmn6-m4RD9rYuh177M/s1600/Scan0018.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Caravaggio's Admission to the Order, 1608</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
National Library Malta, Valletta.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Archives of the Order of St John, 456</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<i>Liber Bullarum</i>, 1607-1609)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For his part Caravaggio had to impress the Grand Master. His first commission was a full-length portrait of the Grand Master, standing and wearing a suit of armour. The result gave the Grand Master such pleasure, that he advised the Council to admit Caravaggio as a Knight. The painting was taken by Napoleon in 1798 and now hangs in the Louvre.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfFgHGnrulYG2S4hdDAsnlMtdZkxv0Xm7r74WzJi-_go0uIrazGg8sSLyY3bPi9f8CCfVVSiiitfXA_0Ij8DAfe7eEuLsAwJEpta1kQjHvscOHNowinsD7HcGg07ybZcv9ta2z6H5NeD8/s1600/download+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfFgHGnrulYG2S4hdDAsnlMtdZkxv0Xm7r74WzJi-_go0uIrazGg8sSLyY3bPi9f8CCfVVSiiitfXA_0Ij8DAfe7eEuLsAwJEpta1kQjHvscOHNowinsD7HcGg07ybZcv9ta2z6H5NeD8/s1600/download+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt, 1608</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Louvre</div>
<br />
Seven works are attributed to Caravaggio during his stay in Malta. These include two portraits of Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt. Only the whereabouts of the portrait in the Louvre is known, the other depicting a seated Grand Master dressed in the magistral robes is known only from copies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DcB_spAmUVDwFait4r7LRiqvFKhA0zm9dv6fbnWPlr8au3Yct4x1n6uRKgCALq7nkLlRXT3hXj2Il3HjyhNoQ5540uN97vn1oTbUTgggYxQZZVSIO3xyyFMXOAAx1PDNI931BJ7nqkjs/s1600/download+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DcB_spAmUVDwFait4r7LRiqvFKhA0zm9dv6fbnWPlr8au3Yct4x1n6uRKgCALq7nkLlRXT3hXj2Il3HjyhNoQ5540uN97vn1oTbUTgggYxQZZVSIO3xyyFMXOAAx1PDNI931BJ7nqkjs/s1600/download+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grand Master Fra' Alof de Wignacourt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
after Caravaggio</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rabat</div>
<br />
In recognition of the quality of his work the Grand Master commissioned him to paint the "Beheading of St John the Baptist" for the Oratory of the Conventual Church. (At that time the Oratory was still bare and had none of the ornate Baroque decoration and the painted ceilings and canvasses of Mattia Preti). The great canvas (361 cm by 520 cm) was painted in situ above the altar where it still hands today, in 1608 and finished by a fabulous carved frame bearing the Wignacourt coat of arms. The monumental painting, Caravaggio's largest canvas depicts the fallen Baptist at the feet of the executioner whose left hand grips the head of the saint, while his right hand draws a knife from its scabbard. From the blood spurting out of his neck the artist signed his name: "f. Michelang". As reward for this masterpiece Caravaggio was presented with a gold chain necklace and two slaves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvunaXyn2V4h8gDVVBbtgk3iTulPSEE5eZlQVBvNqLjh0_2GurnPZS_Ggkps4NIB6XBEAvpM4hYL7D6B7mI04v-RAmBrFqrDHbudulke5hLh8zltgTpgGVIb5PYeMfqbcX7jA7FqpxwSw/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvunaXyn2V4h8gDVVBbtgk3iTulPSEE5eZlQVBvNqLjh0_2GurnPZS_Ggkps4NIB6XBEAvpM4hYL7D6B7mI04v-RAmBrFqrDHbudulke5hLh8zltgTpgGVIb5PYeMfqbcX7jA7FqpxwSw/s1600/digiScanLtd.com+Graham112.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Beheading of St John the Baptist</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Valletta, St John's Oratory</div>
<br />
Caravaggio was commissioned to paint a "Saint Jerome" for the Chapel of the Langue of Italy in the Conventual Church by Fra' Ippolito Malaspina whose coat of arms appear on the right side of the canvas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoLhLlGHrrdOlmLWlWtKDElINixhrF3SbPGqZB31a2gWjsggIX4WilmK-B8Ruq7Dy_g9iq7DKrAKKW1w-I9SL0DAdYonxtwiC3Sx9ndwg6GNtKM5uSWkuB4sIJxGqKvG1nvsBA8pV8W3A/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoLhLlGHrrdOlmLWlWtKDElINixhrF3SbPGqZB31a2gWjsggIX4WilmK-B8Ruq7Dy_g9iq7DKrAKKW1w-I9SL0DAdYonxtwiC3Sx9ndwg6GNtKM5uSWkuB4sIJxGqKvG1nvsBA8pV8W3A/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
St Jerome</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Valletta, St John's</div>
<br />
The whereabouts of a further St Jerome that was painted for the Magistral Palace, and a companion to the St Jerome of St Mary Magdalene that was intended to hang in the Chapel of Italy opposite St Jerome are unknown.<br />
<br />
The final painting known to have been produced by Caravaggio in Malta is "The Sleeping Cupid", inscribed on the back with the words "Opera di Michelangelo Marese Da Caravaggio i (n) Malta 1608" now hangs in the Galleria Pitti, Florence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw2czTzfTeHeMEW5Q3mrj-x1Psdzq0rqaqABS-LNw0hMqLop7WcPT0CduDOPJinuTxryNZvc9DO4qKYpjzDPNwcy5VpC5GXW00Z0haLsLaEHbIhyEYqmmB8D4Tghc5FpExxmpWzkspEwb/s1600/caravaggio051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw2czTzfTeHeMEW5Q3mrj-x1Psdzq0rqaqABS-LNw0hMqLop7WcPT0CduDOPJinuTxryNZvc9DO4qKYpjzDPNwcy5VpC5GXW00Z0haLsLaEHbIhyEYqmmB8D4Tghc5FpExxmpWzkspEwb/s1600/caravaggio051.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Sleeping Cupid</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Florence, Palazzo Pitti</div>
<br />
Caravaggio's stay on Malta was a short one. Some time between September and October 1608 he was seized and held in confinement in Fort St Angelo, at that time the state prison of the Hospitaller State. The reason for his apprehension is unknown but it is thought that he had an argument with a knight of justice. Others said his arrest was arranged by the artist's enemies who wanted to invalidate his membership of the Order by exposing his presumed killing of Ranuccio Tomassini in Rome. Whatever the reason for his imprisonment Caravaggio was mysteriously freed soon after. No sooner than news of his arrest spread through Valletta than Fra' Hieronomus Varoys, procurator of the Treasury announced to the Grand Master that the artist had escaped from the dungeons "with such a speed that he could not be undertaken." and fled to Sicily. A murky business.<br />
<br />
On 6 October 1608 a commission was set up to consider Caravaggio's crime and to see "with all due diligence" that Fra' Michelangelo be sought for and "summoned to appear before the Council". It is not known what the results of the Commission's investigations were. On 20 November 1608, the Grand Master and the Council convened a general assembly of all the members of the Order serving at the Convent in Malta to try Caravaggio <i>in absentia </i>and to judge him accordingly.<br />
<br />
The trial lasted until 1 December 1608 when the General Assembly comprising all the Bailiffs, Priors, Commanders and Brothers of the Order assembled in the oratory of St John's beneath Caravaggio's masterpiece unanimously decreed that Michalangelo Merisi da Caravaggio be struck off from the Order's annals and expelled <i>tanquam membrum putridum et factidus</i> (like a corrupt and fetid limb).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDGjSOy9eLs_GgckgD1B0AyOqYIYka6DHf0YE04sKMJnnWrO9_NTRT5KPNDMWE3-qtijh2yxcqtYxG4C1LAqlblY9l-jYn00e0uuhA3sZfriETBoq7n88-WcL1ofC1tzyIBaMwahR5bZC/s1600/Picture+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDGjSOy9eLs_GgckgD1B0AyOqYIYka6DHf0YE04sKMJnnWrO9_NTRT5KPNDMWE3-qtijh2yxcqtYxG4C1LAqlblY9l-jYn00e0uuhA3sZfriETBoq7n88-WcL1ofC1tzyIBaMwahR5bZC/s1600/Picture+058.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Caravaggio's expulsion from the Order, 1608</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
National Library of Malta, Valletta</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Archives of the Order of St John, 456</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<i>Liber Bullarum,</i> 1607-1609)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jimmy Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763916240266549570noreply@blogger.com0