If you have ever wondered how Victorian soldiers trained in Malta, where they lived, what they ate and drunk and what weapons they used you will find your answers at Fort Rinella this Sunday.

At Fort Rinella, patrons can learn about how the quest of Queen Victoria’s army for improved weaponry and soldier conditions influenced British industry and invention.At Fort Rinella, patrons can learn about how the quest of Queen Victoria’s army for improved weaponry and soldier conditions influenced British industry and invention.

Victorian Garrison will come to life at the battery in Kalkara as Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna marks 25 years from the start of the fort’s restoration and museum project in 1991.

The foundation will be teaming up with Bank of Valletta for Garrison Day, a day of activities to celebrate the daily life of the Victorian Garrison.

An exhibition called ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ will also be mounted for the first time. Occupying all of the soldiers’ barrack block at Fort Rinella, the exhibition features the evolution of the British army during the lengthy rule of Queen Victoria, starting as a bedraggled mob and transforming into the world’s finest fighting machine by the end of the 19th century, the foundation’s CEO, Mario Farrugia, said.

Visitors will be given a guided tour of the Soldiers of the Queen exhibition, 25 years since the start of the Fort Rinella Restoration and Museum Project.Visitors will be given a guided tour of the Soldiers of the Queen exhibition, 25 years since the start of the Fort Rinella Restoration and Museum Project.

Spread over nine rooms and a long corridor, the exhibits trace the history of the army, the campaigns it fought and the enemies it faced.

Visitors will be able to see the recently-restored ammunition magazine and loading chambers as well as the revamped Armstrong 100-ton gun.

Entrance to the fort on Sunday will be at a fee of €10 per adult and free for those under 16 and for FWA members.

Bookings can be made on bookings@ wirtartna.org and for more information go to www.wirtartna.org.

On Sunday, the public can see how the Victorian Garrison stationed in Malta lived as they defended the island against the enemy.On Sunday, the public can see how the Victorian Garrison stationed in Malta lived as they defended the island against the enemy.

Day programme

11am: Opening to the public
11.15am: Guided tour of the fort
11.45am: Military signalling display
12.15pm: Guided tour of the ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ exhibition
12.30pm: Bayonets and sword display
1.15pm: Army food hands-on display and talk
2pm: Guided tour of the ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ Exhibition
2.45pm: Tour of the fort
3.30pm: Cavalry display and live-cannon firing

 

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