The administration of Hospitaller Malta ‘bandi’ and ‘prammatiche’ : 1530 - 1798

Abstract

This work aims to present all the ‘bandi’ and ‘prammatiche’ issued between 1509 and 1798. The ‘Prammatiche Rhodiae’ published in 1509, that is 21 years prior to the Order’s arrival in Malta, are included in this study as these laws were applied to Malta by the Order in 1530. Most of the ‘Prammatiche Rhodiae’ and later ones were reissued, rewritten or revoked by different grand masters during their rule over the Maltese islands between 1530 and 1798, primarily to regulate and counteract new economic, military, financial, social, political, religious and other challenges faced by the Order's administration. Although it would have been possible to limit the topic under study to one century, to be in line with the 25,000 word limit as set by the course requirements, the aim of showing change and continuity in Hospitaller administration would have jeopardised. This research also aims to analyse the essence of these ‘bandi’ and ‘prammatiche’. The ‘bandi’ are classified according to their subject matter including commercial, military, financial, social, legal, religious and various other matters, and this work analyses the reasons why they were issued and their effects on the local population and the good governance of the Order itself. It will try to shed more light on the Hospitallers’ administrative character and power through their enforcement by various grand masters.