Fresnoy Redoubt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fresnoy Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Fresnoy), also known as Kalafrana Redoubt (Maltese: Ridott ta' Kalafrana), was a tour-reduit in Birżebbuġa, Malta. It was built by the Order of Saint John in 1715–1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands.[1] It was demolished in 1897.
| Fresnoy Redoubt | |
|---|---|
Ridott ta' Fresnoy | |
| Birżebbuġa, Malta | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Tour-Reduit |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 35°49′0.6″N 14°32′9.8″E |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1715–1716 |
| Built by | Order of Saint John |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Fate | Demolished |
History
Fresnoy Redoubt was built in 1715–1716 as part of a chain of fortifications that defended Marsaxlokk Bay, which also included three other redoubts, the large Saint Lucian Tower, two smaller De Redin towers, seven batteries and three entrenchments.[2] The nearest fortifications to Fresnoy Redoubt were Elminiech Battery to the west and Balbani Battery to the east.
Fresnoy Redoubt was one of four tour-reduits built in Malta, the other three being Spinola Redoubt, Vendôme Tower and Marsalforn Tower. It had a semi-circular front, and a redan on the landward side, all of which were pierced by musket loopholes.[3]
The limestone-redoubt was demolished by an order given by the Public Works Department on 22 February 1897.[4] Its site is now occupied by part of the Malta Freeport.[5] Other sources say it is occupied by Villa Pisana.[6]
