The Malta Historical Society, as part of its Public Lecture Series 2013 – 2014, it orgainsing a public lecture, entitled, ‘The Brigadier & Bali de Tigné: Two French Military Engineers in 18th Century Malta,’ which will be delivered by Fleur Brincat.
Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban, France’s most celebrated military engineer, was largely responsible for establishing French military engineering at the forefront of European military architecture. His efficient systems of ‘defense in depth’ and particular styles of coastal wo have indirectly reached our shores through his students and followers.
Among the most capable French men in 18th-century Malta were two French relatives, Brigadier René Jacob de Tigné and the Bali Francois-René Jacob de Tigné. Even though they served the Order of St. John at different times, they both heavily contributed towards the defensive schemes of our islands.
This lecture presents a study on these two French military engineers by dealing with their identity, military experience and contribution to ‘Fortress Malta.’
Fleur Brincat graduated as a Physiotherapist in 2002 from the University of Malta, followed by a Post-Qualification Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics at the same University in 2008. It was her travels to various città d’arte that enticed her curiosity for the past.
She read for a Masters programme in Baroque Studies, which she completed with distinction in 2010 and is currently reading for a Masters in Hospitaller Studies at the Department of History.
Fleur is a member of the Order of St. Lazarus actively contributing as an events co-ordiantor, member of of the Malta University Historical Society and a member of the editorial board fo Storja. To date she has published a paper in the Journal of Monastic Military Orders and and academic work on the Bali de Tigné under the auspices of the Baroque Institute.
The lecture will take place on Saturday, the 15th of February, starting at 9.30am, at, Casa Lanfreducci, Valletta (seat of the Maltese Association of the S.M.O.M.).
The lecture will be followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Malta Historial Society.