Spaces and buildings for recreation, entertainment, and leisure in British colonial Malta 1850-1950 : an analytical appraisal of these spaces and buildings, with specific reference to local social classes and ethnicity

Abstract

The dissertation is not intended as a gazetteer of colonial architecture in Malta but a study of the various forms of leisure, entertainment and recreation under British rule enjoyed by the upper echelons of society, the population at large and the garrison. Modes of entertainment depended on social class, ethnicity, background and level of education. Researchers still have an ongoing debate on how to define the meaning of leisure and how to measure it. Leisure has been characterised as a particular type of ‘activity’, as a ‘time’ free from commitments and an important and rewarding ‘experience’. The main objective of this dissertation is to reach an understanding about whether such recreational structures and spaces accommodated the needs of the Maltese and members of the British Services, or whether certain segments of the population were excluded. This study seeks to establish that a clear divide existed between the upper class and the rest of the population. Since written information on the subject matter of this paper is sparse further research would shed light on the behavioural patterns of Maltese society in relation with entertainment. Sources that I have found invaluable during my research were taken from the National Archives of Malta, the archives of the Public Works Department and the National Library of Malta. The sources that have been consulted are documents, newspapers, police reports, letters to the Governor, Government notices, architectural plans and photographs. As secondary sources, reading material such as books and journals have been referred to. Not all the material I found was relevant to my dissertation however some documents contained social history which enhanced my knowledge of the British administration in Malta.