I have read with interest the contribution by Michael Cassar on the evolution of the Grand Harbour, (‘Grand Harbour: from a naval, commercial to a leisure port’, The Sunday Times of Malta, January 31).

Such articles are an invaluable source of knowledge. My query, however, concerns the photo showing the former grain stores at Kalkara. Just to the right of the building is a villa that the British had named the Chaplain’s House, since it was the residence of the Royal Navy’s Protestant chaplain at Bighi Naval Hospital.

Although having various minor alterations and additions through time, this building surely pre-dates the building of the British hospital facilities in 1830, as can be clearly noted from its architecture, which matches that of Villa Bichi when built in the late 17th century.

This villa is shown on a number of contemporary maps; at most times it is either indicated by a small square by the sea or even with ‘villa’ also written next to it. While Villa Bichi is clearly portrayed in its known location, what do we know about this building? Who built it, when and what was its use?