Construction of the Grand Harbour breakwater

Between April 16 and 21, 1903, King Edward VII visited the Maltese islands, the first British reigning sovereign to do so. In his reply to Fortunato Mizzi’s address of welcome, King Edward stressed his personal interest in the prosperity and welfare of Malta, which he described as one of the most precious possessions of the British Crown. But his visit also included the initiation of an important project: the laying of the foundation stone of a much-needed breakwater at the entrance of Grand Harbour.

[attach id=864902 size="medium" align="right" type="image"]Fortunato Mizzi: he delivered the welcoming speech when King Edward VII visited Malta in April 1903.[/attach]

 One of the drawbacks and defects of Valletta’s wharves was their exposure to the strong northeasterly winds (the gregale). This defect had always been recognised but, for strategic reasons concerning the defence of Grand and Marsamxett Harbours, the Order of St John had decided to go ahead with the building of Valletta in 1566. However, for naval purposes, the Knights continued to use the sheltered Galley Creek, lying between Vittoriosa and Senglea, and hence its name, though they did make extensive commercial use...