Spencer Monument

The Spencer Monument is an obelisk standing in Blata l-Bajda, a small town on the road into Valletta. It was built to honour Captain Sir Robert Cavendish Spencer, a naval officer and relative of the Governor of Malta. The monument was designed by the Maltese architect Giorgio Pullicino in 1831 and originally stood at Corradino Hill. It was moved to its present position in 1893 after nearly sixty years. In 1975, lightning struck the obelisk and caused serious damage. The monument was later restored to its original condition. Captain Spencer had a long career in the Royal Navy and was well respected by his crew. He served as private secretary to King William IV when the king was still Duke of Clarence. Spencer died aboard his ship in Malta in 1830 while it was in quarantine. His body was buried at St Michael’s Bastion in Valletta after forty days in quarantine at Lazaretto. The bastion where he was buried was later renamed Spencer’s Bastion in his memory. Visitors find a tall obelisk standing on a raised platform with steps leading up to it. The restored monument is made of stone and stands in an open area near the road. The inscription on the tomb mentions Spencer’s rank and service. The surrounding area is quiet, with views towards Valletta in the distance. The monument is a simple but dignified tribute to a naval officer whose life ended in Malta.