Palazzo Falson is organising a public lecture by history researcher, Vincent Peresso about The Plague of 1813 based on his research in various archives across Malta. The lecture will divulge unique details about the events which unfolded during this period.

Malta passed through three serious epidemics, in 1592-93, 1675-76 and finally in 1813-14. The last plague in Malta is being explored in detail during this lecture.  When the plague broke out in Valletta in April 1813, it did not take long to spread all over the city and throughout most of Malta. The authorities tried to take control of the situation by issuing various regulations which aimed to limit its devastating effects. The main strategy adopted was to reduce communication among the general population to the bare minimum. In fact, the use of paper was prohibited since it was believed that it could transmit disease. Wood, however, was thought to be more hygienic and was used as the preferred medium to write.

For the first time ever, an official and rare document written on wood, kindly loaned by the Notarial Archives Foundation, will be displayed on the night of the lecture. Only around a dozen wooden documents from the 1813 plague survived in Malta, one of which is the said document of the will of Rev. Filippo Calleja from Żebbuġ.  The 35-year old reverend had his will written on 10 September 1813 by Don. Tommaso Scicluna and signed by two witnesses.  Rev. Calleja died on the same day and it was only when the plague ceased that his will was presented to his to heirs which included the physician, Dr Arcangelo Pullicino. Since the writing on the wood was already smudged, Dr Pullicino wished to legally record these depositions and thus he took it to Notary Antonio Caruana. With the help of calligraphy experts, the wooden document was transcribed and documented in notary Caruana's register.

A most fitting location has been chosen to present the lecture at the Church of Sarria, which was commissioned by Grand Master Nicholas Cottoner as a sign of thanksgiving for the cessation of the 17th-century plague.  The Grand Master Nicholas Cottoner had entrusted the famous Italian artist, Mattia Preti to design the building. The rotunda church remains the only one designed by Preti and its construction was likely supervised by the Maltese architect, Lorenzo Gafa' who is best known for St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina. Preti also produced seven paintings for the church including the altar piece of the Immaculate Conception as well as the work depicting St. Roque, the patron saint of the plague.

The lecture is not to be missed out.  Pre-booking is essential and to secure your place please send an email to [email protected] or call us on 21454512. 10 euro suggested donation per person; €5 suggested a donation for Friends of Palazzo Falson.  Donations will help to preserve Maltese patrimony.