Corfu, 30 October – A newly published book by historian Arnold Cassola sheds light on a previously under-documented chapter of Mediterranean migration history, revealing that Maltese settlement in Corfu began earlier than officially recognized. ‘The Maltese in Corfu (1815-1831)’, published by G&A Enterprises Ltd., presents archival evidence that challenges the established historical narrative.
Earlier settlement than previously documented
The book investigates the first wave of Maltese migration to Corfu, covering the period from 1815 to 1831. Until now, the year 1819 has been officially recognized as when the first Maltese settled in Corfu. This dating was probably linked to the fact that in that year, Thomas Maitland brought over from Malta a considerable number of workers to contribute to the building of the Palace of the Lord High Commissioner in Kerkyra.
However, surviving registers from the Catholic Diocese Archives at the bishopric in the old town of Kerkyra contradict this timeline. According to Cassola’s research, the presence of hundreds of Maltese in Corfu has been documented since at least 1815, four years earlier than previously believed.
Historical context of the migration
The origins of Maltese migration to Corfu trace back to the first half of the 19th century, following Sir Thomas Maitland’s appointment as Governor of Malta in 1813. Two years later, in 1815, the Greek Ionian Islands were declared a British protectorate, and consequently, Maitland was appointed as Lord High Commissioner for the Ionian Islands.
This dual appointment created a direct administrative link between Malta and the Ionian Islands, facilitating movement of people between the two territories. The British protectorate over the Ionian Islands lasted until 1864, when the islands were ceded to Greece.
Documented families and their connections
Cassola’s research enables readers to verify the links that numerous Maltese families have had with their counterparts on the Ionian island. The families documented range from Abela to Vella, and from Cacopardo to Quattromani. According to the book, a good number of descendants of these families are still active in Corfu today.
The book draws extensively on primary sources, particularly the registers maintained by the Catholic Diocese in Kerkyra. These archival documents provide concrete evidence of the Maltese presence on the island, including baptismal records, marriage certificates, and other ecclesiastical documentation that traces the community’s establishment and growth during the early 19th century.
The role of Thomas Maitland
Sir Thomas Maitland played a central role in facilitating Maltese migration to Corfu. As the first British Governor of Malta and simultaneously Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, Maitland had the authority and motivation to transfer workers and craftsmen between the territories under his administration.
The construction of the Palace of the Lord High Commissioner in Kerkyra in 1819 represented a major undertaking that required skilled labor. Maitland’s decision to bring workers from Malta for this project was a practical solution that also strengthened the administrative and cultural ties between the two British-controlled territories.
Significance for migration studies
The book contributes to the broader understanding of Mediterranean migration patterns during the 19th century. The movement of Maltese people to Corfu represents an example of intra-imperial migration within the British Empire, where administrative connections facilitated population movements that might not otherwise have occurred.
The research also highlights the importance of ecclesiastical records in reconstructing migration history. In an era before systematic civil registration in many parts of Europe, church records often provide the most reliable documentation of population movements and settlement patterns.
Book availability and author event
The book will be available from Agenda Bookshop outlets and at the Agenda Bookshop stand at the National Book Festival in Ta’ Qali, Malta, scheduled to be held from 5 to 9 November 2025.
Arnold Cassola will be signing copies at the book festival at the Agenda Bookshop stand on Friday, 7 November, between 7:00 and 8:30 PM. This will provide an opportunity for readers interested in Mediterranean history, migration studies, or Maltese-Greek connections to meet the author and discuss his findings.
About the author
Arnold Cassola is a historian specializing in Maltese migration and diaspora studies. His research focuses on documenting the movement of Maltese people throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when Malta was under British rule.
This latest publication adds to the growing body of scholarship examining how political and administrative changes in the Mediterranean region during the age of empires influenced population movements and the establishment of diaspora communities.
Implications for Corfu’s cultural heritage
The documentation of Maltese settlement in Corfu from 1815 onwards adds another layer to the island’s rich multicultural heritage. Corfu has historically been influenced by various cultures, including Venetian, French, British, and Greek, and the Maltese contribution represents another thread in this complex tapestry.
The Catholic community in Corfu, to which many Maltese migrants belonged, maintained its distinct identity while integrating into the island’s society. The preservation of records by the Catholic Diocese has proven invaluable for reconstructing this history.
The book’s findings may encourage further research into the Maltese diaspora in other parts of the former British Empire and the Mediterranean region, potentially uncovering additional communities and connections that have been overlooked in traditional historical narratives.
Source: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2025-10-30/books/New-Cassola-book-which-explores-the-origins-of-Maltese-migration-to-Corfu-in-the-19th-century-6736284390
