STANDING proud in a glass case, one of the first exhibits visitors to Maldon's Combined Military Services Museum will see is something of an emblem for the town.

The Viking sword, unearthed at a site somewhere in Heybridge, dates to the era of the Battle of Maldon in 991. Whether it was definitely used in the battle and who by - Viking or Saxon - are matters there can be no absolute certainty on, but it is the most likely real-life relic of the famous fight we have.

Beneath it lies a helmet and two other hand-held weapons of the same period and probably from the same haul. The tale goes that they were part of a bigger stash discovered by builders under layers of gravel, that the owner of the land demanded was quickly re-buried to prevent a swift halt being called to the building work.

Apparently one of the workmen decided to rescue the items in the case and thus they are on show today. The exact location of the find remains a mystery that may never be completely solved, rather like the exact location of the battle itself.

Walking beyond the first exhibits, both military enthusiasts and those who may have thought they had little interest in such things will be stunned by the collection. From suits of body armour to the most frightening of helmets and from weapons of centuries past to amazingly well-preserved garments – including a rare example of a cavalier's felt hat – any visitor should make sure they take the time to look at every display.

And that's just the ground floor. Climb the stairs and you are taken back in time with a huge selection of military costumes, cataloguing the transition from elaborate and red to the more familiar khakis, greens, beige and brown of more modern warfare. The far more practical outfits of the First World War and the pictures and explanations at each stand help bring the experiences of long-lost heroes to life.

This is also true for the Second World war, with a particularly extensive collection of army and navy costumes, as well as scenes featuring the outfits of wartime nurses and many others. On some walls, the personal stories and photographic records re-tell the sometimes heart-breaking stories of those who fought for our freedom. On the year that sees the 75th anniversary of the end of that conflict, anyone wanting to find out more about it will have come to the right place.

A further fascinating section of the museum is dedicated to the work of some notorious spies, male and female – and certainly no Bond fan should miss this.

Museum technician, Kyle Monk, says: "I think it's really important to have the exhibits we have in the museum here for everyone to see. It helps children and young people understand our history and things they might not always be taught about in school – and it helps bring what they may only have read about or seen in films or on the internet to life."

Museum curator Julie Miller is also immensely proud of the Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award 2020 that the museum was recently awarded.

The museum at the end of Station Road is open from Wednesdays through to Sundays, from 10am to 5pm. It is also open on Bank Holiday Mondays and every day during school holidays. Admission is £5.75 for adults, £4 for children and £4.75 for concessions – with a family ticket for two adults and three children available for £18.

Full Covid-19 safety measures are in place and while booking is not always necessary, it is advisable to call 01621 841826 before visiting if possible. For more information you can also email the Combined Military Services Museum here or visit the museum website here.