Byrhtnoth

Have you ever wondered why there is a sword welding statue at the end of the prom in Maldon? This is in honour of an historical hero who led the English into battle against the Viking invasion.

This story is from 991 AD belongs to an Anglo-Saxon man called Byrhtnoth meaning bright and courage. He was a nobleman and connected to royalty having married the Dowager Queens Sister.

At the time of the battle of Maldon, Byrhtnoth was around 60 years old and, sources described his command of his rather small army of 2000 to 4000 men, as unwavering and strong.

He was killed in the battle, and the invading Vikings were eventually paid to stop their attack, rather than continue the onslaught. The story is said that it took three men to eventually kill him, the last blow was with a poisoned spear

Byrhtnoth, is remembered in Maldon as a proud, prominent historical figure, his statue created by John Doubleday, stands at the end of Maldon promenade walk, facing the battle site of Northey island and the causeway.