A photo of HMS Marlborough, location unknown

Russian exiles in Malta

Mentioning exiled Russians these days suggests pro-Ukrainian protesters or anti-Putin demonstrators. Malta’s reputation as a haven for Russians goes back more than 100 years before Putin’s antics.

A photo of the Central Bank - Valletta, Malta

The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta

In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It’s unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country like Malta. This article explains why this bank did so and why it was in Malta.

A photo of the harbour - Valletta, Malta

The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry

There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened, Bulkley’s life in Malta and how we know what happened.

A photo of Capua Palace - Sliema, Malta

In exile in Malta

The town of Sliema, Malta, is marked with high-rise apartment blocks and frustrating traffic. It was not always so and people have fond memories of days gone by. Few talk about the Prince of Capua and the Russian connection.

A photo of the Altar of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Divine Grace

The Chapel of Our Lady of Divine Grace

The old adage claims there are 356 chapels and churches in Malta, 1 for every day of the year! One tiny often neglected chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Grace in Sliema. This article details its history and its significance to this sprawling metropolis.

The Sandwich Shop that was

Unseen Changes

I step back and look at the car. It is slightly outside the parking bay which means that, technically, I am incorrectly parked. However, IRead More