Scant attention is given to the fixtures and fittings at the fortifications found across Malta.

Victorian forts have been raided for their metalwork when left unattended at the end of the British tenure of Malta. Even the bronze rollers supporting the large cast-

iron guns at Rinella and Delimara were removed. One end at a time was wedged up to release the endmost roller, then the process repeated at the other end.

Cast iron and wrought steel doors and covers were removed, along with their well-anchored frames. Many other items have been buried as their surroundings were put to new use, like, for example, the semi-circular rails for swivel guns on the walls of Valletta.

Wooden items have the least chance of survival, making any remaining that much more valuable. An effort should be made to preserve what little remains of gates, bridges and palisades.

The beams and mechanism to the drawbridge of St Thomas tower have been left exposed to the elements and have largely rotted away. The then nearly intact drawbridge to Marsamxett Gate was removed, presumably destroyed, when the road was widened. There must be others, badly needing to be identified and preserved, preferably by removal to a safe place.

In dire need of such attention are the chains and some fittings at the outer end of the tunnel leading to the central bastion of the Floriana land front. The gate to the inner end, designed to park against the roof of the tunnel, is probably more recent but its hinges, bolts and locks may very well be older. Any of these could be British rather than Hospitaller and merit conservation in either case.

The stonework is in very poor condition, so will be renovated as part of the ongoing rehabilitation work. In the process, the metal fittings may very well be severely damaged, discarded or liberated. Could they be removed now to The Fortress Builders museum before any other work is commenced?