Where Was the Battle of Maldon? Exploring the Evidence

Step into one of England’s great historical mysteries and examine the evidence surrounding the Battle of Maldon of AD 991. Was the famous clash between Byrhtnoth’s Anglo-Saxon army and Olaf Tryggvason’s Viking raiders fought beside Northey Island - or somewhere closer to Heybridge?

The morning explores the traditionally recognised battle site, with highlights including John Doubleday’s commanding statue of Byrhtnoth, views towards Northey Island and its tidal causeway, historic St Mary’s Church and the unusual triangular tower of All Saints. The afternoon considers the intriguing alternative theory. Discover Maldon’s Anglo-Saxon burh, the defensive qualities of the Maldon ridge, the ancient settlement at Temple Way, Heybridge Creek and the historic Causeway before visiting St Andrew’s Church. Along the way, your guide will draw upon the famous Old English poem, local history and evidence preserved in the landscape—leaving you to decide where the battle most probably took place.

Walkers may book the morning section, the afternoon section or both sections as a full-day experience.

Start times:

Morning and full-day walkers – 10:00am

Afternoon-only walkers – 1:30pm at the War Memorial

Distance:

Morning section – 4.2 miles

Afternoon section – 4.5 miles

Full-day walk – 8.7 miles

Time:

Morning section – approximately 2 hours, finishing around midday

Afternoon section – approximately 2.5 hours, finishing around 4pm

Full-day walk – approximately 6 hours, including a 1½-hour lunch break

Route information:

Route Length Category – Medium when booking either individual section; Long when completing both sections.

Accessibility of route – The afternoon section includes several sets of steps. No stiles. Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.

Morning section – Starts at Butt Lane Car Park, Maldon, CM9 5HD, near the toilets, and finishes at the War Memorial (by All Saints church) on Maldon High Street, CM9 5PF.

Afternoon section – Starts at the War Memorial (by All Saints church) on Maldon High Street, CM9 5PF, and finishes at Butt Lane Car Park, CM9 5HD.

Full-day walk – Starts and finishes at Butt Lane Car Park, with the afternoon section restarting from the War Memorial (by All Saints church) following the lunch break.

Parking – Butt Lane Car Park is the recommended parking place for morning and full-day walkers. Please ensure that you pay for sufficient parking time to cover the option you have booked.

Toilets – Available at Butt Lane Car Park, Promenade Park and White Horse Lane.

Public transport – Maldon High Street is served by several local bus routes. The nearest bus stop for both Butt Lane Car Park and the War Memorial is All Saints Church. Please check suitable services and return times at TravelEssex before travelling.

Lunch – Full-day walkers will have a break of approximately 1½ hours in Maldon High Street between the two sections, where there are numerous cafés, pubs and other places to eat.

Circular route – The complete full-day walk starts and finishes at Butt Lane Car Park. Each individual section has different starting and finishing points.