The District has a rich heritage that has evolved over many centuries.  Human interaction with the landscape has resulted in the creation of a diverse and unique environment.  The history of this District is amongst the best documented and researched of any equivalent area in the country and is supported by a wealth of physical evidence.  Evidence of a Romano-British town of significant size, discovered during archaeological excavations at Elms Farm, Heybridge, has given a new emphasis to the District’s position in a national context.  Similarly, the Battle of Maldon in 991AD is recognised by historians, as being of strategic importance in the political and social evolution of the English peoples and is listed in the English Heritage’s Register of Battlefield Sites.

A wide range of materials and collections are stored or exhibited in the District in places such as Maldon District Museum, Burnham On Crouch Museum, Maldon & District Agricultural Museum, Museum of Power, The Plume Library, Moot Hall, St Lawrence Rural Discovery Centre and Mangapps Railway Museum.

The Maldon Embroidery, designed and stitched to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Battle of Maldon in 991AD provides an excellent record of much of the Town’s subsequent history and is on display in the Maeldune Heritage Centre.

The area’s maritime legacy is also being preserved through the efforts and activities of enthusiasts involved with the restoration of Thames sailing barges, smacks and other traditional working sailing craft.  This can be usually be seen at the Hythe Quay in Maldon which is home to the Thames Barge and the Thames Sailing Barge Heritage Centre onboard Glenway.

The Combined Military Services Museum in Maldon, which opens later in 2004, will house military collections of the combined services through uniforms, weapons, and equipment as well as some outside exhibits including tanks! 

It seems appropriate therefore, that the Maldon District Heritage & Museums Group was established in October 1998, with the aim of bringing together all those attractions and organisations that have an interest in preserving and promoting the heritage of the Maldon District.

The group has already worked together on a number of initiatives including the compendium leaflet and attending tourism exhibitions for both the public and group market and a Residents Open Day. This 360º panorama website is the groups latest project.

If anybody is interested in joining the forum please contact Russell Dawes, Maldon District Council’s Tourism Development Officer and Secretary of the group. Tel. 01621 875853 or email russell.dawes@maldon.gov.uk