Combined Military Services Museum, Maldon

   When Maldon is thought of, the great battle of 991 usually springs to mind - when ealdorman Byrthnoth led the Essex fyrd to an immense defeat against the 'wicings' who'd been camping on Northey Island, when Æthelred II paid said 'wicings' tribute - according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, to the sum of '10,000 pounds'.

   Today, it consists of (to name a few things), a wonderful high street, shops aplenty, a quaint museum in the park, and the Combined Military Services Museum. 

   From a 10th century sword, right through to modern day rifles and firearms, this museum has something for every military enthusiast. 

   The ground level is filled with poleaxes, morning stars, maces, chain and plate armour, the first contains spy weapons (think MI5, James Bond and the KGB), grenades, missiles and sea mines, and the second level is more dedicated to uniforms and guns.

   Whatever period you're interested in, this museum has it. And at £5.75 per person it is well worth a visit.