Maldon
The town of Maldon, Essex, is located on the Blackwater River's estuary and serves as the administrative centre of the Maldon District. It is also a starting point for navigation on both the Chelmer and the Blackwater Rivers. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited since at least Roman times.
The name Malldun was in use at the time of the Domesday Book and is thought to derive from 'Maeldona' (Old English) or mael and dun in Old Saxon, meaning a part in which metal has been mined. Coins found during excavations indicate that there were several Roman settlements within Maldon's current boundaries
In 1699 John Ray wrote: 'The towne extended only one street along Colne Rode (high Street) where I live. There are two good churches, and many good houses with their gardens'. The Parish church of St Peter and St Pauls Church dates back to c.1180, while the oldest Baptist Church in Britain, founded under Oliver Cromwell, is also located in Maldon.