In the 1850s the British set about strengthening the defences built by the Knights of St. John around Cottonera by bridging and fortifying part of the gap between the inner Santa Margherita Lines and outer Cottonera Lines. St. Clement’s Retrenchment was constructed linking the two lines of defence between St. Clement’s Bastion and Notre Dame Bastion in the Cottonera Lines to the south and Santa Margherita Bastion and St. Helen Bastion in the Santa Margherita Lines to the north.
They also constructed Fort Verdala (barracks) inside Verdala Curtain, stretching between Santa Margherita Bastion and St. Helen Bastion in the Santa Margherita Lines. The Tenaille protecting Verdala Curtain and Gate served as the entry point to St. Clement’s Retrenchment.
Nowadays St. Margaret College Secondary School Verdala and its sports ground occupy a good portion of the land within the Retrenchment. However, unfortunately, for most part, the ramparts, parapets and walkways lie in utter neglect and crying out for a cleanup, as can be seen in this video. This is a real pity because the location would be ideal to serve as a public garden, incorporating several interesting historical features.
Exploring the Santa Margherita Lines • Exploring the Santa Ma...
Exploring the Cottonera Lines • Exploring the Cottoner...
Corradino Lines • More than meets the ey...
Music: Jupiter, from Gustav Holst's The Planets, played by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Walter Susskind.