THE famous Battle of Maldon took place 1,029 years ago today (11 August) when warrior earl Brythnoth took on the Vikings – and lost.

The historical tale of the Anglo-Saxons' defeat is told in the Old English poem, The Battle of Maldon, studied by scholars of literature everywhere.

Brythnoth was not prepared to give in to the Viking force by paying them off and effectively surrendering, choosing instead to put up a brave fight with an army made up largely of local militia.

The modern-day statue of Brythnoth (also spelt Byrthnoth) stands at Maldon's Promenade Park, facing across the strip of water towards Northey Island.

It is believed by many historians that the Vikings based themselves on the tiny island which joins with the mainland when the tide goes out. In a show of defiance and a strong will to defend his homeland – not shared by the king at the time, Aethelred the Unready – the statue of the earl now stands proud to defend the town still, with his sword and shield held high.

Brythnoth was killed in the battle and it is claimed his headless body was later found still clutching his gold-hilted sword.

A 42ft tapestry celebrating the 1,000th anniversary of the Battle of Maldon, which took three years to complete and involved the work of more than 100 people, is displayed on the wall in The Maeldune Heritage Centre in the town's High Street.