SCAMP: WILLIAM SCAMP (1801- 1872). AN ARCHITECT OF THE BRITISH ADMIRALTY IN MALTA

The study of architectural history during the British colonial period in Malta has been rather sparse and has not attracted the same attention as the architectural legacy of the Order of St John in Malta (1530-1798). This monograph focuses on the work of William Scamp, an architect in the employment of the British Admiralty. Although Scamps architectural career in Malta was limited to a four-year period 1841-1844, his achievements were considerable. He pioneered the establishment of the British naval yard in Dockyard Creek by the construction of the first dry-dock on the island and an imposing Naval Bakery that serviced the entire British fleet in the Mediterranean. In addition, he salvaged the high-profile project of St Pauls Anglican cathedral, Valletta that had been mired in crisis under his predecessor Richard Lankesheer. Scamp assumed responsibility for the project after construction was suspended as the building fabric was deemed to be structurally defective and unstable. It is a remarkable achievement that Scamp managed to design, supervise, and oversee the successful completion of three high-profile projects in Malta within such a limited period of time.