THE stirring events of the famous Battle of Maldon were remembered when the High Sheriff of Essex and the Queen's Remembrancervisited the site.The visit commemorated the 991AD battle when the Saxon Earl Bryhtnoth led the charge against the Viking invaders but was defeated, a story depicted in the earliest recorded Saxon epic poem.

THE stirring events of the famous Battle of Maldon were remembered when the High Sheriff of Essex and the Queen's Remembrancervisited the site.

The visit commemorated the 991AD battle when the Saxon Earl Bryhtnoth led the charge against the Viking invaders but was defeated, a story depicted in the earliest recorded Saxon epic poem.

High Sheriff Mark Thomasin-Foster, the Remembrancer Master Robert Turner plus civic guests and historians yesterdayfollowed the footsteps of the Saxon warriors from the battle site, crossing the causeway to Northey Island.

Dr Janet Cooper, editor of the Victoria County History of Essex, read extracts from the original Anglo Saxon poem, which is reputed to be one of the finest pieces of early English literature and studied around the world.

John Archer, chairman of Maldon District Council, said: "We were delighted and honoured to welcome such distinguished guests to the Maldon district to highlight the significance of this famous battle in English history.

"It is particularly relevant as the battle took place in the month of August and the office of High Sheriff can be traced back to Anglo Saxon times, close to the date of The Battle of Maldon."

The Queen's Remembrancer historically received debts owed to the Crown by the City of London.