Vincenzo Borg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vincenzo Borg
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Bust of Vincenzo Borg, "Brared", at the St Helen's Basilica Museum with the Maltese Blockade Gold Medal. Sculpted by Salvu Psaila.
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| Born | 11 January 1777 Birkirkara, Hospitaller Malta
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| Died | 18 July 1837 (aged 60) Malta
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| Burial place | Collegiate Parish Church of Birkirkara |
| Nationality | Maltese |
| Other names | Brared |
| Occupation | Merchant and lieutenant |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Malta |
| Service/ |
National Congress Battalions |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Malta (1798–1800) |
| Awards | Pro Patria gold medal (1801) Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (1833) |
Vincenzo Maria Borg (Maltese: Ċensu Maria Borg, 1773 – 18 July 1837) was a famous Maltese merchant. He was also known by his nickname Brared. He became one of the main leaders of the Maltese people during the time when the French were in charge of Malta. This period is known as the French blockade of 1798–1800. After the blockade, he served as a lieutenant from 1801 until 1804.
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Who Was Vincenzo Borg?
Vincenzo Borg, often called Brared, was born in 1773 in a town called Birkirkara. He was a very important cotton merchant in Malta. Many people knew and liked him. His nickname "Brared" came from the products he sold, which were called brared (singular: barrada).
Leading the Maltese Uprising
When the Maltese people decided to fight against the French rule in 1798, Brared was chosen as a leader. The people from Birkirkara and Mosta picked him. He was in charge of the biggest group of fighters in the Maltese army.
He became one of the most important leaders in this uprising. Other key leaders included Emmanuele Vitale and Francesco Saverio Caruana. Brared even used his own money to support many soldiers during the blockade.
During the blockade, skilled builders working for Brared constructed many batteries. These were special places with cannons used to fire at French positions. They helped stop the French from attacking back. Examples include Għargħar Battery and Ta' Għemmuna Battery. There were also several batteries built in Sliema. Brared's main base during this time was at Ta' Xindi Farmhouse. This farmhouse is still standing today and is a reminder of the blockade.
Working with the British
On February 4, 1799, Brared suggested to Captain Alexander Ball that Malta should be protected by the British. He was the first to raise the British flag on the island.
On February 2, 1801, Brared received a special gold medal called Pro Patria. This medal was given to him to recognize his important role in the blockade. He then became the lieutenant for Birkirkara and Mosta, serving from 1801 to 1804.
In January 1804, he had a disagreement with Alexander Ball and was placed under house arrest. Later, on February 9, 1833, he was honored again. He became a companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Vincenzo Borg passed away on July 18, 1837. He was buried in the parish church in his hometown of Birkirkara.
Images for kids
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Bust of Vincenzo Borg, "Brared", at the St Helen's Basilica Museum with the Maltese Blockade Gold Medal. Sculpted by Salvu Psaila.
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Residence of Vincenzo Borg, located at 84, Triq Santu Rokku, Birkirkara. It was used as a school and as a hospital. It has a unique Muxrabija on a tower at the top of the house.
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Ta' Xindi Farmhouse, Brared's field headquarters in 1798–1800
