The much-neglected tomb of Robert Cavendish Spencer, which up to some weeks ago was a mound of stones in the middle of a car park in Valletta have now been restored and enclosed with a railing.
Robert Cavendish Spencer is the great great uncle of Princess Diana.
Robert Cavendish Spencer served as private Secretary to the Duke of Clarence (later King William IV) from 1827 to 1828 and was knighted for his services to the prince.
He had a distinguished career in the British Navy and was well liked by the men he commanded – it was these sailors who erected the monument in his memory.
He died while in quarantine in Malta on 4 November 1830, aged 39.
HMS Madagascar, under Spencer’s command, had just returned from Alexandria and, as was customary, was put in quarantine.
Spencer’s body was kept in quarantine for the full 40 days
His body was then brought by barge from the Lazaretto and buried in Valletta on 12 December 1830.
The procession entered Valletta through Porta Reale (City Gate) then passed down Strada Mezzodi, (South Street) to the lower Bastion of St Michael for interment where Reverend David Morton, the Chaplain of the ship conducted the service.
This part of the bastion was thereafter called Spencer Bastion – by Royal Decree.
A simple inscription on Spencer’s tomb read
“HERE LIES THE BODY OF CAPTAIN THE HONOURABLE SIR ROBERT CAVENDISH SPENCER KCH AGED 39 YEARS WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON BOARD AND IN COMMAND OF HIS MAJESTY’S SHIP MADAGASCAR AT ALEXANDRIA ON THE 4th DAY OF NOVEMBER 1830.”
Spencer’s Monument at the junction of Blata il-Bajda / Hamrun itself has a checkered history
Designed by Maltese Architect George Pullicino, the monument was first erected on Corradino Hill in 1831 -Corradino meaning (really) the Hill of Wise Counsel!
Spencer’s monument was moved 62 years later – in 1893 – to Blata il-Bajda on top of Spencer Hill.
The monument was damaged by lightning in 1975 but has been restored.
The restoration of the tomb in Valletta was insisted upon by the former Mepa board, especially Judge Giovanni Bonello when Bank of Valletta was granted permission to restore the House of Four Winds which is to become the chairman’s office.
(photos Dr Frank Portelli)