We members of the Marsa Sports Club have made “The Marsa” our own through several generations of membership stretching back over 100 glorious years to 1902 when the Malta Sports Club first came into existence. But few would stop to think that these same grounds at the Marsa have been the background to events that stretch even further back in time to the most extraordinary events in our island nations’ chequered history.
'THE MARSA’ IN 1905
The Marsa, as its Arabic name implies, was a sheltered inlet within the inner reaches of the Grand Harbour and so an attractive proposition to the Phoenician traders and subsequently the Roman seamen who much appreciated and therefore frequented this busy safe haven. Forming a basin where two valleys meet, the extensive marshes inland of the harbour shore became in medieval times a fief of the realm of Alfonso, king of Naples and Sicily.
As such, in 1440, the land was first passed on to the distinguished warrior Pietro Busco who then died without heirs. The Marsa lands were then granted to Giovanni De Nava in the year 1469. This honorable gentleman was the appointed Castellan who held hereditary possession of the castle Sant’ Angelo in the Grand Harbour, outside the jurisdiction of the Maltese authorities ensconced at Mdina. De Nava was also granted a title of nobility, becoming the first Barone della Marsa, a title doomed alas to extinction.
Then in that historic year 1530, the Grandmaster of the Knights of the Order of St. John, His Most Eminent Highness Philippe Villiers de L’Isle Adam, recently ousted from the Order’s headquarters in Rhodes, came to Malta to take possession of the island. He established himself at Sant’ Angelo, whilst also taking possession of the Marsa lands in lieu of a life pension to the owner.
Years later in July of 1551, the quiet of these same meadow plains was broken by the thunder of horses’ hooves as the valiant English knight Nicholas Upton led his Maltese horsemen into a fierce battle against the invading enemy forces landed from the Turkish galleys of the famed corsair Dragut. Although a resounding victory was to be had by the native army, it came at the highest cost to their illustrious leader who subsequently died of the many wounds he had taken.
After the passage of some fourteen years, on a hot Saturday in spring on the 19th of May of that momentous year 1565, it was another awesome sound that rose above the sweltering heat as tens of thousands of turbaned Ottoman troops from the mighty army of the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, Scourge of Heaven, appeared on the horizon and advanced to make their camp on the Marsa grounds.
The beating of drums and the playing of fifes joined the bellowing of oxen and other beasts of burden as they strained to pull high-laden cartloads of supplies to their appointed place, urged on by the shouts and beatings of their drivers and scouts. What a spectacle must have greeted any who witnessed the grand scale of that frightful event.
Members and their guests are kindly asked to wear respectable outfits during the day. This may include shorts and shirts with an open collar and short sleeves, or conventional sportswear, but not sleeveless leisure vests, bathing costumes and bikini tops.
Swimwear should only be worn around the swimming pool area.
The dress for social functions shall be as stated in the notice for the particular occasion.
The minimum requirement for golf is shorts and short sleeved shirts, but not sleeveless leisure vests. Spiked shoes are not to be worn inside the clubhouse.
For croquet, Padel, tennis, squash and cricket, conventional sportswear is to be worn. Hard-soled shoes are not permitted on the Padel, tennis and squash courts.
The Hurlingham Club is a green oasis of tradition and international renown bordering the River Thames in Fulham set in 42 acres of magnificent grounds.
Since the Club opened in 1869, it has offered some of the finest sports and social facilities to its members.
https://hurlinghamclub.org.uk/hurlingham-home
Ranelagh Gardens, London SW6 3PR, UK
With a rich heritage dating back to 1763, The Lansdowne Club re-imagined itself as a leading private members’ club in 1935 and has welcomed men and women with equal status ever since. An eclectic mix of the historic and the contemporary, the Club boasts stylish décor and exquisite art, underpinned by seamless service provided by our knowledgeable team who will always go that extra mile.
https://www.lansdowneclub.com/
9, Fitzmaurice Place, London WIJ 5JD, UK
Founded in 1879, the Union Club of British Columbia is a landmark institution in the heart of downtown Victoria. With an imposing neo-Georgian design inspired by the classic clubs of London, this heritage building has always offered premier service, amenities, companionship, and exceptional comfort.
https://www.unionclub.com/About-The-Club
805 Gordon Treet, Victoria,British Columbia, Canada V8W 1Z6
The ASD Circolo Tennis “Rocco Polimeni”
represents the ideal place for those who want to play sports, but also to spend a few hours relaxing in a serene and hospitable environment.
https://www.ctpolimeni.eu/home
Parco Pentimele, 89051, Reggio Calabria, Italia
The club is situated in a grand old Grade II listed building with four storeys, located at No45 Spring Gardens. It is Manchester’s foremost members only club which enjoys an excellent view of King Street, right in the heart of Manchester city centre.
It has a long and illustrious history as one of Manchester’s finest venues, spanning over three centuries. It offers exquisite fine dining services combines with a superb location and the highest level of personal service.
https://stjamesclubmanchester.com/
45, Spring Valley, Manchester M2 2BG, UK
Welcome to the International Club Berlin! Here on our wonderful premises, right in the heart of Berlin, you will meet people with style and class from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds – key personalities from the worlds of diplomacy, politics, business and science mingle with creative types from the art and cultural scene. Together they enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, meet interesting people, dine outside in the sun on our large terrace and have a chance to network and make new contacts. Sports enthusiasts, in the meantime, wind down with a few lanes in the pool or test out their skills in a game of tennis. In short, our urban country club is like a green oasis with a good measure of style and British charm thrown in – a place for relaxation, sport, enjoyment and socialising in style
https://www.ic-b.de/en/
Thuringer Allee 5-11, D – 14052, Berlin
Centrally located in the heart of the business district, The Clubhouse stands as a dignified Italianate-style quarry stone building tucked amongst the cityscape. An iconic mantle of Virginia Creeper covers the whole building and boasts vibrant colours of green and red throughout the year.
Hidden behind the green leafy cloak and spanning four floors, the Clubhouse is home to 3 dining spaces, 3 bars, multiple private dining spaces, a range of beautiful function spaces and an ornate billiards room. Its style is a marriage of old and new, featuring detailed interiors, antique finishes, and a fresh, contemporary design at the rear of the Clubhouse in the recently extended Bankside Bar & Lounge.
https://northernclub.co.nz/
19, Princes Street, Auckland,New Zealand, P.O BOX 4291
The Country Club Johannesburg thrives because of our members. Since its origin in 1906, the Club has prided itself on attracting individuals who appreciate world-class recreational facilities, excellent service, and socialising with like-minded people. The Club is an inclusive environment for young and old, where families and friends can meet, exercise, dine and relax, all in the comfort of its beautiful and safe surroundings.
https://thecountryclub.co.za/
Auckland Park, South Africa
The Winchester House was built in the early part of the 17th Century and still benefits from one of the most enviable scenic river views in London.
According to legend Oliver Cromwell used the house during the Civil War’s Putney Debates, planting a mulberry tree in the garden. The tree stands to this day, still bearing fruit.
Founded in 1892, the Winchester House Club continues to prove itself as a popular and unique venue of choice for both its members and those seeking a perfect setting for their own private events or special occasions. The Club regularly hosts wedding receptions, corporate meetings and private parties for non-members.
https://www.winchesterhouseclub.com
10 Lower Richmond Road, Putney SW15 1JN