The Maldon Society has partnered with Maeldune Heritage Centre to bring Maldon history to life this September.

Maeldune Heritage Centre on Market Hill we be hosting a number of free National Heritage Open Days on September 7, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

Open from 11am to 4pm, the Maldon Society audio and photograph archives will go on display - centering around the themes "Routes, Networks and Connections".

Take the opportunity to dive into the past and use Maledune's Oral History listening station to hear from real Maldonians, including Heather Stephens, who recounts how apples were sent to Australia from Maldon during World War 2 .

There will also be touchscreen displays showing achieved photographs, including historic images of Maldon High Street, the Heybridge Canal and the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

Some of the archives photographs you can view at the Heritage Centre in September. (Photo: MHC)

The Maldon Society will also be hosting a talk about the development of the Thames Barges at The Swan Hotel on September 5.

Doors will open to the Cygnet Room at 6.30pm, with the meeting led by sailing barges history buff John Rayment.

The talk will cover the developments as well as the variety of bares that operated during trading days. 

You can pre-register for the talk by emailing [email protected] or by ringing Doreen 01621 853428.

Founded in 1957, The Maldon Society aims to promote and preserve the historical heritage of this town. 

It holds monthly meetings discussing a range of areas of Maldon's history.

Is creating a piece of history more your style? You can take part in the Maeldune Heritage Centre's Photography Competition 2024.

 Take an arty photo of the Maeldune Centre by finding an interesting angle or play of light to capture a unique snapshot of the centre. 

There are also a range of fun, family friendly activities going on at the Heritage Centre over the next month.

You can find out more by visiting the heritage centre on Market Hill or emailing [email protected].

The Maeldune Heritage Centre, run by the Maeldune Trust, is a registered Charity in partnership with Maldon Town Council.

"Maeldune" is the Saxon spelling of Maldon, meaning "a cross on the hill".

Found on the Ground Floor of the Plume Building, St Peter's Tower, the Maeldune Heritage Centre enjoys the stunning former church infrastructure, as well as access to the Thomas Plume Library on the first floor.

The centre hosts the Maldon Embroidery, a 42ft Embroidery depicting 1000 years of Maldon's History, as well as photographic and video archives, an exhibition hall, and gift shop.