Incredible! This snapshot of an 1800s land purchase petition is a true time capsule
Every now and again we come across time capsules dating to way back when about life on the Maltese Islands throughout history. And this shot gives a particularly interesting insight.
Facebook page Historical Research Sharing Activity created by Vince Peresso shows a snapshot of an 1859 petition related to Ta’ Xbiex Coast Road. “Quite a common type of petition sent to the Governor of Malta in the middle years of the nineteenth century, was a request for the purchase of some public land,” the page reveals.
“One such request was put forward by Captain James Tagliaferro on 14th March 1859. He requested to buy a piece of land in ta’ Xbiex. Thereupon he wanted to erect some stores.” Business and trade back then draws similarities to those in the 21st century, don’t you think?
“The answer he received was to inform him that the Governor had included that land as one of the Government properties which is under study by a lands board. This board had the task to suggest how a number of public properties were to be better utilized.” The road seems to be the bend just before The Black Pearl Restaurant.
“Capt Tagliaferro included a fine plan of the land which he requested. This plan clearly shows the coast road as it were then. Comparing it to present day one finds little differences in the alignment.” It’s true – it basically looks the same, which is quite the rare occasion on the islands, with it having been developed and changed to welcome in a modern era.
Have you seen anything like this?