The Ta' Xindi Farmhouse was built by unknown Maltese farmers sometimes during the period that the Order of St. John controlled Malta. It is structurally modest in design and built to cater as any farm of the time, according to local costumes. It is built in the suburb of an area called Kappara in San Ġwann. The building remains overlooks farmland and is at the middle of a hill. A common building which the building overlooks today is the Mater Dei Hospital in Birkirkara. When the building was built the area was under the municipality of Birkirkara but today is under the jurisdiction of the San Ġwann Local Council.
History
At the end of the Order of St. John the building belonged to Vincenzo Borg who was famously known by his nickname, Brared. In 1798 Malta was invaded by the French led by Napoleon Bonaparte who were on their way to conquer Egypt. Over 4,000 men were left behind the Napoleon when he left in order to keep control of the Maltese archipelago. Initially the Maltese had supported the French but having not received what they expected, growing in disappointment and propagated by landlords and the Catholic Church, the Maltese rose up against the French in different battalions around Malta. In such context the Ta' Xindi Farmhouse became also known since then as the San Ġwann Headquarters when Vincenzo Borg took the lead for the rising against the French, famously known as the Gharghar rise. Vincenzo Labini, the then bishop of Malta, was well informed about the insurgence of the Maltese. Alexander Ball initially did not trust Vincenzo Borg in the belief that Borg was after power over the Maltese. During the conflict the farmhouse, now an outpost, was secretly used as headquarters while the French soldiers kept control of the fortifications of Malta. The building manned more than 550 native Maltese soldiers of mixed capacities. The soldiers safeguarded and over the surrounding areas and generally attacked at once with other outposts such as Birkirkara and Mosta. On 2 September the Maltese resurgence has managed to acquire two 18-pound cannons that were stored and at times used at the farmhouse. The flag of Great Britain was raised for the very first time in Malta in 1799 by Vincenzo Borg himself of which a plaque was inaugurated on the façade of the farmhouse that includes this historic event. During the insurgency the farmhouse was also used as an emergency hospital. Despite being small, the building had to cater as a hospital for a large number of families which included people who took refuge in the countryside from the fortified cities that were occupied by the French. In 1833 Borg was awarded the Order of St. Michael and St. George by the British. John Hookham Frere had such a good friendship with, and an appreciation for Vincenzo Borg's role against the French that when Borg died Frere had inscribed by documenting this on Borg's grave at the St Helen's Basilica in Birkirkara.
Recent
The farmhouse came to public attention to be preserved after some sections of it were being demolished during refurbishment. Back then Prime Minister in Office Lawrence Gonzi has made reference to the farmhouse and its rich history. Since then measures of preservation have taken place. The building remains to be a private residence and not a museum. It is currently being used by its owners as a family home. A plaque is found on the façade of the building, commemorating the Gharghar rise against the French and Vincenzo Borg's heroic role at the same time.
