MEMORIES of Maldon are being sought to help mark the 850th anniversary of the granting of a Royal Charter to the town.

King Henry II granted Maldon the Royal Charter on 7 October 1171. It is the oldest known Essex Borough Charter and gave the town certain rights. This then laid the foundations for Maldon's evolution into a prosperous market town and established the blueprint for how the town is governed, even today.

Maldon Town Council is starting to make plans for marking this significant anniversary, which will include a commemorative church service. Back in In 1971 an extensive brochure was printed and distributed to mark the 800th year and the plan is to do something similar this time, but as an online version tracking the changes in Maldon in the past 50 years.

People are invited to contribute their memories. Perhaps you remember the Queen's first visit to Maldon in 1971 to mark the 800th anniversary? Or maybe there are events or occasions since that could write about or have pictures of?

If you do, you can email a short article and any photos to: [email protected] by 30 July 2021.

A spokesperson for the Town Council said: "We will keep you advised of our plans as they evolve and would also like to hear from you if you have any ideas which could contribute to making this a significant celebration of those things which make Maldon unique."