Maldon, on the River Blackwater, is an historic, pretty town about 20 minutes’ drive northwest of Burnham.
The Anglo Saxon Chronicle records its name as Maeldun in 913 AD, which means Monument Hill or Cross Hill.
It is the ‘capital’ of the Maldon District and hosts Maldon District Council.
It is well served with a wide variety of shops.
It boast some lovely old architecture and some interesting alleys and byways.
The picture below shows an alley through to the high street from the main car park in White Horse Lane, off New Street on the Fambridge Road. The car park also is home to the Maldon Library.
What is Maldon famous for?
Maldon is famous for Maldon Sea Salt, used by top chefs around the world.
It is also known around the world for the Maldon Mud Race, a barmy affair which features people of all ages and abilities attempting to run for charity through the smelly, sucking mud off the Promenade Park. This entertaining spectacle used to take place in frozen January, but now, for health and safety reasons, it takes place in June.
It is also the leading port in Britain for Thames Barges (see the Hythe Quay).
It is also known for the Battle of Maldon in 991 AD and the associated Old English poem.
Maldon Attractions
For Maldon attractions (other than the ones linked to above), see the Maeldune Heritage Centre, the Combined Military Services Museum, the Museum of Power, St Giles Leper Hospital and the Thomas Plume Library.
For more about Maldon, go to their website designed for visitors.