01621 841 011
This area guide is designed to give you information about the town of Maldon, as well as its neighbouring villages. The guide includes useful links such as local council tax bands and rates, information on local schooling, train stations and road links.
Maldon history and overview
The historic town of Maldon is one of the oldest towns in Essex and it is positioned on the river Blackwater where it joins the river Chelmer. In fact, at the time of the Doomsday book in 1086 Maldon and Colchester were the only two boroughs recorded in Essex.
The district of Maldon in Essex is an area that is full of history. The district itself was formed in 1974 to bring together the town of Maldon, Burnham on Crouch and what is known as the Maldon Rural District comprising a range of other towns, villages and land. It is thought that the first settlers to the district came in the Bronze Age and settled to the north of what is now the town of Maldon. The area’s salt marshes made this a popular area and salt has been harvested in the Maldon district since 500BC from the Blackwater and Crouch river areas. The Romans also lived in this area for a period and built a fort at the mouth of the Blackwater river to protect the area from Saxon invaders. Visitors here can also visit St Peter on the Wall which was established by St Cedd in the 650s - it is now considered to be one of the oldest churches in England that still has much of its original building materials in place. The area saw much activity during the Viking age. The district as a whole was a rich prize given its salt and maritime benefits so was attacked fairly frequently. In the 900s the king Edward the Elder camped in the town of Maldon to try and hold back the Vikings. The district held out until the Battle of Maldon in the 990s which the Vikings finally won. The battle can be remembered still by the famous statue of Brythnoth, which is positioned overlooking the river at the Promenade Park.
Maldon today still remains very much a market town with many popular attractions. The town sits proudly on a hill and the
port is essentially at sea level. The Hythe, as the port is known, began life as a separate hamlet where the skyline is dominated by the tower of St Mary’s Church. In the past, Thames Barges would leave the Hythe carrying foodstuffs and bedding straw to London returning with cargos of horse manure for the district farms. Fishing vessels left their moorings by the bath wall in search of eels, plaice, sole, whelks and winkles in the estuary. The famous Promenade Park is enjoyed by local residents and visitors. Approached by an avenue of mature trees and recreational areas, the park runs down towards the banks of the river Blackwater. Maldon also has many traditions including Maldon mud race, London Cabbie outing and traditional Victorian evening. Maldon is also put on the map by its very famous brand – Maldon salt, a must have for any household or restaurant alike.
Housing within the town
Maldon has a diverse range of housing, and here we break down the different areas within the town, along with typically what housing can be found within the area.
Town centre
Traditionally, the majority of housing surrounding Maldon high street are character homes, from listed town houses to Victorian cottages.
Vikings
Referred to as The Vikings estate, the area is located to the west of Maldon town centre. Here traditionally properties are built circa 1960’s -1980’s. The area is serviced by regular bus routes and a local parade of shops.
The Poets estate
Referred to as The Poets estate the area is located towards the south of the town centre. Traditionally you will find two, three and four bedroom homes built circa 1960’s -1970’s, the area is serviced by regular bus routes and a local parade of shops.
The South Side
Referred to as the newest part of Maldon, homes were developed in the early 1990's to early 2000's by messers Bloor homes, Higgs and Hills, Wickford developments, David Wilson and Barratt homes. Typically the area offers a variety of homes from one bedroom starter homes to five bedroom executive homes. This is a very popular area.
Heybridge
The area offers a variety of local convenience stores, choice of primary schooling within both Heybridge and the neighbouring village of Great Totham. The area offers some of the best recreational facilities in the district to include local Football Club, Chigborough Lakes Nature Reserve and Elms Park. Heybridge is located on the periphery of Maldon and within walking distance by public footpath across fields to Heybridge Basin.
Blackwater Park and Eagles Reach
Another popular area, just down Market Hill and located between Maldon and Heybridge, this modern development was built by Bovis homes and Alfred Mcalpine between 1997 and 2007. This development is situated opposite Elms Park.
Heybridge Basin
This is a haven for pleasure craft of all ages and sizes as well as being the starting point for walks along the sea wall to Maldon and beyond. Heybridge Basin is a charming 18th Century Village created at the same time as River Chelmer navigation, a canal which meanders towards Chelmsford. At the picturesque lock side are two public houses, tearooms, and a picnic area. Surrounding the village are miles of footpaths and bridleways which access the varied wildlife typical of a tidal estuary.
Surrounding villages
There are many surrounding villages all offering diverse homes and their own attractions. Villages which are North of Maldon include Great Totham, Wickham Bishops and Little Totham, along with Goldhanger, Tolleshunt Darcy and Tollesbury.
Towards the east and south east of the town you will find Cold Norton, Mundon, Mayland, Steeple, St Lawrence, Southminster, Burnham on Crouch and Bradwell on Sea. This area is referred to as the Dengie peninsula. Properties within these villages are diverse and varied including individual character homes and newer properties, to recently built housing. Burnham on Crouch and Southminster also offer railway links to London, and this is a popular area for the commuter.
Maldon shopping, entertainment and leisure
Maldon high street is diverse with household brands such as Marks and Spencer, along with local independent traders. Maldon has two main supermarkets, Tesco and Morrison’s. If you can’t find what you need in the town, then the larger town of Chelmsford can be reached within 10 miles, and Lakeside shopping centre is also only 33 miles away. For entertainment, Madison Heights can be found on the outskirts of the town, offering bowling, skating and monkey puzzle. Blackwater Leisure swimming complex is also within this area. Local football is also strong, with Heybridge Swifts, Maldon and Tiptree FC, along with strong youth football from Maldon Saints FC.
