The defence of the eastern shoreline of Gozo was greatly enhanced in the 1730s by the construction of Saint Anthony battery at Ras il-Qala, referred to by the Qalin as 'it-Trunċiera'. It was built at the expense of Grandmaster Antonio Manoel de Vilhena (1722–36). Construction work was undertaken during 1732 under the direction of the Order’s military engineer Charles de Montdion. The battery had two barrack rooms. It still has eleven gun embrasures – an embrasure is an opening within the parapet for the purpose of allowing a gun to be fired through in a sweeping manner. It was originally intended to install two 36-pounders, but in effect only two 24-pounder guns were mounted. The upkeep of the battery was shouldered by the Order, but the salaries of the soldiers manning it were paid by the Universitas.

National Archives Reference Number: 1611