Maldon

Maldon is a historic maritime town that is known nationally and across the world for its connections to the Saltmarsh Coast, with its sea salt, infamous mud race and the iconic Thames Sailing Barges. The town is also famous for the Battle of Maldon 991, where Viking raiders defeated the Saxons on the causeway of Northey Island, and this is the oldest recorded battlefield site in England. Maldon is the second oldest town in Essex and received its Royal Charter from Henry II in 1171.

HISTORY OF MALDON

A settlement in Maldon has existed since before the time of Roman occupation. The town was clearly of some importance in the 10th century, as a royal mint was established and King Edward the Elder fortified the town in 913. In the following years, a Viking raid was successfully beaten off, but several decades later at the Battle of Maldon 991, a second Viking raid defeated the Saxons. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Maldon and Colchester were the only two boroughs recorded in Essex. Less than a century later, a Royal Charter was granted to the town by Henry II in 1171.

Maldon also had a prominent history with shipbuilding and the town had been providing a ship for the royal cause since the Anglo-Saxon period. In 1347, the town supplied two ships and thirty two men to Edward III for the Siege of Calais. At the Battle of Solebay 1672 against the Dutch, a Maldon ship the ‘Jersey’ took part and Samuel Pepys was made Captain of this vessel.

In the 19th century, Maldon had seen much growth and being a centre of admiralty jurisdiction had established the town as the largest in Essex after Colchester. It owed much of its success to its sea trade and carrying corn to London was a major trade until the 1870s. When it became no longer economic to grow it in Essex, the Thames Sailing Barges carried hay and straw to London instead. With the arrival of the railway to Maldon in 1846 and the revolution of transport, over the next several decades the use of the barges gradually declined as did the town's reliance on its port.

BATTLE OF MALDON

Maldon is famous for the Battle of Maldon which took place over a thousand years ago in the year 991. The battle was immortalised by an Old English poem that describes its events. Fought between the Saxons and Vikings, the battle was ultimately a Viking victory, and it is generally agreed that it was a hard fought battle, with considerable losses on both sides. Learn more about the Battle of Maldon.

MAIN WALKING ROUTES

Maldon High Street from Moot Hall's Rooftop

A CIRCULAR WALK TAKING IN MALDON'S HERITAGE ALONG THE HIGH STREET VIA THE RIVER CHELMER & PROMENADE PARK (1.75 MILES)

The Maldon Heritage Walk is a circular route of the town, where you will discover numerous historical and listed buildings, as well as plaques commemorating well-known people or events associated with these buildings. Heading up the High Street from Promenade Park, follow the Blue path. You will pass the traffic lights which are next to Wenlock Way, and this alleyway is where the Maldon Tourist Information Centre is located. On the right side of the High Street, you will pass the Swan Hotel and Pound Stretcher, and further ahead you will see a sign for Bright’s Path, which is an alleyway of small boutiques. By Bright's Path on the High Street is the Church House Building which has a blue plaque on the front. It was believed that the ‘Fat Man of Maldon’ Edward Bright (1721 - 1750) lived here, but recent research has revealed that the house was built by his son.

Continue along past Church House and you will see the roundabout up ahead. Turn right at the roundabout, where you will pass the St. Peter’s Building on your right. The ground floor houses the Maeldune Heritage Centre, and on the top floor is the Plume Library. Head past the pedestrian crossing, passing the Town Hall on your left and continue down Market Hill. Before the road bends to the left, on the right you will see Maldon United Reformed Church, where Reverend Joseph Billio preached in 1696 to 400 Protestant Dissenters.

Turning back the way you came, head back up Market Hill, and cross over the pedestrian crossing to turn right down the High Street. Up ahead you will see the Moot Hall with its pillared balcony and large black and white clock. Continuing forward you will see All Saints Church to your right, known for its unique triangular tower. At the junction of the High Street at Silver Street, you will see Thomas Cook, and this building was the original Moot Hall. Turn right onto Silver Street, passing the Blue Boar Hotel on your left. Turn right down Cromwell Hill, pass through the bollards and continue left down Market Hill, crossing over Cromwell Lane. The building immediately to your left served as Maldon’s workhouse from 1719 to 1835 and was built with proceeds from Thomas Plume.

Continue down Market Hill, along the bridge over the River Chelmer, and cross over the road using the pedestrian crossing. Turn back the way you came, heading back over the bridge and then turn left at Anchorage Hill. Pass through the car park, and rather than following the road as it bears right, continue straight forwards onto Chandlers Quay with houses to your left. Continue through the alleyway ahead and you will soon see the black Maldon Salt Company building (not open to the public). You will walk slightly uphill to reach Downs Road. Walk straight head, passing the houses and the recreation ground to your left.

At the end of the road, turn left and continue along the road until you see the white building. This was John Howard’s home, 1849 to 1915 who was a Master Shipbuilder, and the prolific output from his yard included 22 sailing barges. Turn back the way you came and continue left, heading past the Marinestore Chandlery. Follow the road, passing the Queen’s Head pub to your left and you will soon reach the Hythe Quay, where you can then circle back through Promenade Park to reach your starting point.

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ALONG THE SEA WALL TO ENGLAND'S OLDEST RECORDED BATTLEFIELD SITE AT THE CAUSEWAY OF NORTHEY ISLAND RETURNING BACK TO PROMENADE PARK (2.5 MILES)

Follow the Green path, continuing south along the route for 100 yards which heads away from Maldon Yacht Club. At the crossing track, continue onto the sea wall path, where you will see a signpost for 'Sea Wall and Northey Island'. Follow this path for half a mile until you reach a lane. You will see the causeway to Northey Island to your left, which you can venture out onto at low tide to get a different perspective of the River Blackwater. The island is access is by appointment only and you can arrange to visit by calling the Warden on 01621 853142. It is free for National Trust members and £2 for non-members.

Continue alone the lane for nearly half a mile, passing through South House Farm. Turn right at the staggered crossroad of footpaths when you see the bungalow to your left. Follow the path along the right side of the field, and as the path bends right, you will reach a housing estate, and the path soon bends to the left. Continue along until you reach Park Drive, turn right and walk along the pavement which goes past the football club, Madison Heights and the Blackwater Leisure Centre.

Ignore two roads turning right, where one goes towards the Recycling Centre and the other heads into the Park Drive Health Club. Continue forwards and turn right into the main entrance of Promenade Park, following the road and then make a left. Walking under the trees, you will come out to a group of kiosks up ahead. From here you can turn right, heading past the Splash Park and play areas to walk back towards your starting point.

Optional Walk on Northey Island
After crossing the causeway, continue ahead on the lane for half a mile, ignoring a kissing gate on your right. You can enjoy views of the estuary to the left, and there is also a bird hide on the left as well. When you reach a ‘Private’ sign, you will approach Northey House, turn left to take the path which goes around the back of the house, follow the path as it turns right. When you reach the kissing gate at the back of the house, continue forwards, ascending the steps and heading onto the sea wall. Follow this path for approximately ¾ of a mile as it twists and turns around the eastern part of the island. Go through the kissing gate at the end of the path and turn left to head towards the causeway.

HEYBRIDGE BASIN VIA THE CHELMER & BLACKWATER NAVIGATION (9.2 MILES)

From the Saltmarsh Coast hub, follow the path towards the Maldon Yacht Club and head to the sea wall. You have the option to go right onto the promenade and visit the statue of Byrhtnoth. Turn left to head past the model boating lake, the Splash Park and the ornamental lake to go towards the Hythe Quay, where the Thames Sailing Barges are moored. Going past the quay, continue onto Downs Road, which is a residential street with the Downs Recreation Ground further ahead on the right.

Instead of following the road when it bears left continue straight on where you will soon pass a black building to your right, which is owned by Maldon Salt. The site is however not open to the public and doesn’t have a shop or museum for you to visit. Continue straight on as the path narrows, passing a car park onto your right, and head onto the road ahead, this is Chandlers Quay. Passing houses on your right, follow the road right which takes you closer to the river. Heading towards the main road ahead and turn right, crossing over the bridge and continuing straight ahead for nearly half a mile.

You will pass Lidl on your right, cross over the road by the roundabout, and then head past the new retail estate to your right and the second roundabout. Continue straight ahead, crossing over another road, past the garage and houses. Ignore the next road on the right which leads to an industrial area, instead turn right down Bates Road. Walking straight ahead, follow the road as it bears left and then turn left down the smaller road. Continue along this path as it makes a sharp right, and follow the path as it runs adjacent the industrial estate to Bates Road.

As the path diverges, continue left and then right, continuing along the sea wall for 1 ½ miles where you will reach Heybridge Basin and the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation lock that meets the Blackwater Estuary. Follow the path and head up the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation for two miles. You will pass Bentalls Warehouse and other typical canalside buildings, and you will then pass underneath the Wave Bridge. As the canal bears left, you will walk underneath two more bridges, and then you'll pass the Oak Tree Meadow play area, and on your left is Tesco.

The canal path will bear to the right, and goes underneath the A414 road bridge, after 300 yards head onto the yellow-brick bridge to cross over the canal. With the Maldon Golf Club to your left and Elms Farm Park on your right, continue for half a mile and you will reach Beeleigh Falls, where the canal meets the River Chelmer. Bear left to cross the wooden foot bridge. At this point, you will leave the canal path which continues the whole way to Chelmsford. Turn left just before the lock, passing through a small wooded area and cross another bridge to reach Beeleigh Steam Mill.

Continue along Abbey Turning and turn left down Beeleigh Chase, Beeleigh Abbey is to your left. Follow the path and the canopied green lane and turn left at the T-junction. It will take you under the busy A414 close to the River Chelmer, so that you can avoid the traffic. Continue right along the path and head uphill, passing the Leech Memorial Garden and after 50 yards, follow the path until you reach the tarmacked part of Beeleigh Road. Continue onto Silver Street, passing the Blue Boar to reach the High Street. Turn left and continue along the High Street, passing the roundabout, a set of traffic lights, and continue onto Mill Road. You'll see Maldon Museum to your left, and the entrance to the Promenade Park, where you can then make your way back to your starting point.

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ATTRACTIONS

HYTHE QUAY

No visit to Maldon is complete without visting the Hythe Quay, which is a historic working waterfront that has been used as the town's port for over a thousand years. The quay is home to the largest collection of active Thames Sailing Barges that are still in use today, and you can take a trip out on these iconic barges with Topsail Charters and the Thames Sailing Barge Trust.

The beloved Steam Tug Brent, which is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet, is moored at the Hythe Quay along with the Barge Tea Room Resourceful which is open year round.

PROMENADE PARK

The Promenade Park, known locally as 'the Prom', is located at the end of the Hythe Quay and is packed with attractions for all the family. It is the most popular park in the district and has undergone major refurbishment in recent years.

Along with the Splash Park and beach huts, Promenade Park has several play areas, Pirates Bay Adventure Golf, a model boating and crabbing lake, skateboard ramps, wildlife areas, as well as plenty of places to enjoy a picnic. During the warmer months, the Maldon Splash Park is very popular for the kids, along with the beach huts which make for great bases during the day.

MAELDUNE HERITAGE CENTRE

The Maeldune Heritage Centre is home to the famous Maldon Embroidery which is a 42ft long masterpiece depicting 1000 years of Maldon's history. The centre regularly holds art & craft exhibitions from local artists and craftspeople, showcasing a range of paintings, photography, textile art, pottery, and mixed media. There are also historical displays and finds, as well as a gift shop with local crafts, art and souvenirs.

COMBINED MILITARY SERVICES MUSEUM

Combined Miliary Services Museum, Maldon

As one of the country’s premier military museums, the Combined Military Services Museum offers insight into Britain’s military history from ancient times to the present day. Previously voted as the best museum and best exhibition in Essex, the museum offers only original and genuine items with no replicas or reproductions. The museum houses one of the world’s foremost collections of covert operations weapons, clothing and equipment.

MUSEUM IN THE PARK

Maldon Museum, also known as ‘Museum in the Park’, houses exhibitions reflecting the industrial, social and domestic history of Maldon and its surrounding district. Situated by the main gate of the Promenade Park, the museum is run by a team of committed and friendly volunteers. It is one of only a handful of the 168 museums in the country to have been awarded accreditation by the Arts Council. This little gem is definitely worth the visit.

Maldon Splash Park

This fantastic children's water park is located in The Valley at the centre of Promenade Park. It is extremely popular throughout the season, however opening times are weather dependent so be sure to check before heading down.

WELCOME TO MALDON

HISTORY OF MALDON

MAIN WALKING ROUTES

A CIRCULAR WALK TAKING IN MALDON'S HERITAGE ALONG THE HIGH STREET VIA THE RIVER CHELMER & PROMENADE PARK (1.75 MILES)

ALONG THE SEA WALL TO ENGLAND'S OLDEST RECORDED BATTLEFIELD SITE AT THE CAUSEWAY OF NORTHEY ISLAND RETURNING BACK TO PROMENADE PARK (2.5 MILES)

HEYBRIDGE BASIN VIA THE CHELMER & BLACKWATER NAVIGATION (9.2 MILES)

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