'The Maltese in Corfu (1815 - 1831)' 
Author: Arnold Cassola
Publisher: GA Enterprises & Co Ltd / 2025
Pages: 167

Corfu, or Kerkyra, is one of the Ionian islands in western Greece. It is the northernmost island on Greece's west coast.

From medieval times and into the 17th century, the island, as part of the Republic of Venice since 1204, successfully repulsed the Ottomans in several sieges, was recognised as a bulwark of the European States against the Ottoman Empire and became one of the most fortified places in Europe.

In November 1815 Corfu came under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars and in 1864 was ceded to modern Greece.

The capital, Corfu Town, flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand palace of St Michael and St George.

It is this last detail which brings to mind the connection with Malta. The palace was commissioned by Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. It was designed in the Greek Revival style of neoclassical architecture by the British architect George Whitmore.

The building primarily consists of limestone imported from Malta and Maltese workers were employed in its construction.

Of course, Maitland is the same "King Tom" so lampooned by the Maltese when he was Governor of Malta, succeeding Sir Alexander Ball.

This palace is not the main palace on the island. That is the famous Achilleion, built by Empress Elizabeth (Sissi) in 1889. Equally famous is the summer palace of Mon Repos, birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The "Maltese" palace is today known as the Old Palace and was recently in the news because of an unauthorised pole dancing show.

This book tracks this rather small colony of Maltese workers from their arrival in 1815 to 1831.

The author has previously written about other Maltese diasporas (perhaps the author ought to bring these studies together).

My general impression is that the colony in Corfu did not develop strong roots. It is easy to see why: the difficult language, the fact that most of the people who took up the offer were illiterate, and other difficulties.

When, a century later, Corfu was overran by the Nazis and the authorities wanted to deport the "Maltese" because they were "British subjects" the reply that came back was that these persons had so integrated they were indistinguishable from the natives.

One must acknowledge the extensive contribution by the author in his studies about Malta and its neighbours. And also the research that uncovered Turkish accounts of what we still call the Great Siege.

Apart from, of course, heading a Maltese political party, secretary general of a pan-European party and a member of the Italian Parliament.