Hamlets of the 16th century

It was a pleasure to read the letter on hamlets in 16th century Malta and the details given by Victor Ross (August 26).

Mr Ross wrote that Hal-Mula was between Zebbug and Buskett, which is not the case. In fact, it was on the other side of the village, that is, between Zebbug and Qormi. It is interesting to know that the villages of Hal-Dwin and Hal-Muxi continued to expand even after their integration with Zebbug while that of Hal-Mula disappeared completely from the scene and only that area remained to be known as such.

The other two even had their own churches, both of them dedicated to Our Lady, the former dedicated to the Presentation of the Lord (February 2) commonly known as "Tal-Gandlora" and which today does not exist, the latter dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady (August 15) and is still standing. In fact, the people of Hal-Muxi still celebrate this feast on August 15 of each year. Those residing at Hal-Mula had no church of their own and for their religious duties had to attend the parish of nearby Qormi.

About 30 years ago, some buildings began to rise in the area known as Hal-Mula and today it can boast of several new buildings and housing estates. According to the history of Zebbug, between the three hamlets of Hal-Dwin, Hal-Muxi and Hal-Mula existed a large olive grove from which the name of Zebbug (olives) originated.

I hope that others will come forward and give us more details about the other hamlets mentioned in the original letter written by Mr Ross.