Maldon Treasure Hunt - Essex

Maldon developed as a Saxon Seaport in Essex and has a great history for you to explore on your treasure hunt.

Saxons settled the area in the fifth century and the area to the south is still known as the Dengie peninsula after the Dæningas. It became a significant Saxon port and imported pottery from this period has been discovered in archaeological digs. From the mid 10th century there was a royal mint issuing coins for the late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman kings. King Edward the Elder lived in Maldon while combating the Danish settlers who had overrun North Essex and parts of East Anglia. In the late 10th century, defenders were defeated by the Vikings in the Battle of Maldon. According to the Domesday Book there were 180 townsmen in 1086.

In the seventeenth century Thomas Plume started the Plume Library to house over 7,000 books printed between 1470 and his death in 1704; the collection has been added to at various times since 1704. The Plume Library is to be found at St. Peter's Church. Only the original Tower survives, the rest of the building having been rebuilt by Thomas Plume to house his library (on the first floor) and Maldon Grammar School (on the ground floor).

Maldon's first railway link was a branch line opened in 1846. It connected with the London - Ipswich main line at Witham. Later a second line linked Maldon with Woodham Ferrers on the Southminster - Shenfield line. Both lines were closed in the 20th century.

Maldon lies at the head of the Blackwater Estuary, with a small trading port and old Thames sailing barges. When the tide is out, it really is out and there is an annual mud race on or around New Year's day where the contestants run (OK run is probably an exaggeration) across the estuary for charity. Don't worry, unless you request it, we will keep your treasure hunt on dry land! There are two islands in the estuary, one of which (Northey Island) belongs to the National Trust and is believed have been a viking army base in the 10th century related to the aforementioned Battle of Maldon.

So you can see that Maldon has a fascinating history to explore during your treasure hunt here in Essex, where you can battle with your colleagues to become the Maldon Treasure Hunt Champions. It is easy for us to tailor this treasure hunt to suit your group, whether you are a corporate group or a Stag or Hen party. We include outlying villages as well should you require a car treasure hunt round this picturesque part of Essex.

The Blue Boar (http://www.blueboarmaldon.co.uk/) is our favourite starting and finishing point for the Maldon Treasure Hunt as it is right in the heart of the town.

Pictures from previous treasure hunts in Maldon ...

... Coming soon