It was part of a chain of batteries, redoubts and entrenchments encircling the French positions in Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour.

Tal-Borg Battery was located north of Tarxien, and about 700m away from St. John Almoner Bastion of the Santa Margherita Lines.

The west side of the upper parapet was flanked by a partially demolished farm building, which served as a protective shelter for the garrison and gun crews.

A large barrack building or magazine with its roof covered by a layer of soil was located at the rear of the platform.

On 23 February 1800, the battery fired across the harbour, hitting a ferry boat that was discharging passengers at Birgu, killing many civilians.