Cannon pivots back in place at Valletta’s saluting battery

Two 18th century centre cast iron pivots, used to support cannon, have been placed in their original position at the two opposing corners of the Saluting Battery at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta.

The centre pivots, which resemble large chess pieces, were used to prop up the front part of the cannon, while the back section was attached to a swivel set on a round wooden disk.

There were very few centre pivots left in Malta as many were thrown away, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna chairman Mario Farrugia said.

The foundation found the centre pivots hidden away when it took over the running of the battery in 2000.

Mr Farrugia believes they had been removed in 1924 when the Saluting Battery was extended to the Upper Barrakka Gardens by means of a staircase.

The Saluting Battery is being excavated and waterproofed to stop rain water from flooding the underlying historic war rooms in Lascaris Ditch.

In fact, around one-third of the war rooms had been completely flooded, Mr Farrugia said.

The works, which were meant to be completed by April 1, were slightly delayed by a few “obstacles” but would be finished by the end of this month, Mr Farrugia said.

The works are sponsored by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority through its environmental initiatives fund and are being carried out by Resources Ministry employees.

The battery forms part of Valletta’s fortifications, which started being built in 1566, one year after the Great Siege. It occupies one of the most strategic positions in Grand Harbour, with Fort St Angelo across the water.