Mobility in Malta : an analysis of the Status Liberi documentation between 1800 and 1803

Abstract

My dissertation is about movement, mobility and migration in Malta in the early years of the 19th century, mainly between 1800 and 1803. The purpose of my dissertation is to analyze the situation in Malta with regards to movement of people out of Malta, emigration and immigration. The aim behind this dissertation is to highlight the main features related to incoming migrants in the early modern period of the British rule in Malta. I will be looking at how Valletta and the Three Cities had an impact not just on the Maltese inhabitants but also on the foreigners who came to Malta. The British wanted to turn Malta into the most important country in the Mediterranean, having in it a prosperous cultural and economic centre. This could not have happened without the presence of foreigners in Malta. Many of these foreigners chose Valletta and the surrounding harbour area as their alternative home. This dissertation starts by analyzing the meaning and the aspects of migration. The Status Libero documentation, researched at the Archbishop’s Curia Archive, were a really important source for the writing of this dissertation. Being the author, I must admit that it was not easy to write about this subject. However, despite the fact that information was not always easily accessible, I am confident that I have managed to present a clear picture of the movement that was taking place in and out of Malta in the period between 1800 and 1803.