San Rocco Redoubt ( mt, Ridott ta' San Rokku) was a

redoubt A redoubt (historically redout) is a fort or fort system usually consisting of an enclosed defensive emplacement outside a larger fort, usually relying on earthworks, although some are constructed of stone or brick. It is meant to protect sold ...

in Kalkara,

Malta Malta ( , , ), officially the Republic of Malta ( mt, Repubblika ta' Malta ), is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago, between Italy and Libya, and is often considered a part of Southern Europe. It lies ...

. It was built by

Great Britain Great Britain is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of continental Europe. With an area of , it is the largest of the British Isles, the largest European island and the ninth-largest island in the world. It is ...

during the French blockade of 1798-1800. It was part of a chain of batteries, redoubts and entrenchments encircling the French positions in

Marsamxett Marsamxett Harbour (), historically also referred to as Marsamuscetto, is a natural harbour on the island of Malta. It is located to the north of the larger Grand Harbour. The harbour is generally more dedicated to leisure use than the Grand Ha ...

and the

Grand Harbour The Grand Harbour ( mt, il-Port il-Kbir; it, Porto Grande), also known as the Port of Valletta, is a natural harbour on the island of Malta. It has been substantially modified over the years with extensive docks ( Malta Dockyard), wharves, a ...

. The redoubt was built roughly halfway between Fort Ricasoli (then occupied by French forces) and Santa Maria delle Grazie Tower. It was located close to

San Rocco Battery San Rocco Battery ( mt, Batterija ta' San Rokku) was an artillery battery in Kalkara, Malta, built by Maltese insurgents during the French blockade of 1798–1800. It was the last in a chain of batteries, redoubts and entrenchments encircling th ...

, a Maltese insurgent battery which had men from the

30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot 30 (thirty) is the natural number following 29 (number), 29 and preceding 31 (number), 31. In mathematics 30 is an Parity (mathematics), even, composite number, composite, pronic number. With 2, 3, and 5 as its prime factors, it is a regular nu ...

in its garrison. The redoubt was built around a small building and a

chapel A chapel is a Christian place of prayer and worship that is usually relatively small. The term has several meanings. Firstly, smaller spaces inside a church that have their own altar are often called chapels; the Lady chapel is a common typ ...

dedicated to Saint Roch, from which it got its name. The redoubt was built by the British in order to provide cover for retreating British forces in the case of the arrival of a French relief force to break the siege of Malta. Upon the arrival of a relief force, the 30th and 89th Regiments of Foot were to gather at San Rocco Battery, and under the cover of San Rocco Redoubt, they were to retreat to Żabbar. From there, they would retreat to Żejtun, and then to Fort Rohan under the cover of San Lucian redoubt. They would embark on their ships in

Marsaxlokk Marsaxlokk () is a small, traditional fishing village in the South Eastern Region of Malta. It has a harbour, and is a tourist attraction known for its views, fishermen and history. As at March 2014, the village had a population of 3,534. The ...

Harbour and evacuate the island. San Rocco Redoubt, as well as the chapel and building it was built around, have been demolished. The area is now occupied by SmartCity.

References

{{Redoubts Redoubts in Malta Kalkara Military installations established in 1799 Demolished buildings and structures in Malta French occupation of Malta Vernacular architecture in Malta British fortifications in Malta Limestone buildings in Malta 1799 establishments in Malta 18th-century fortifications