Impressive wall hangings commissioned to celebrate 800 years of Maldon have been returned to pride of place in its town hall.

Mayor Mark Heard undertook a two-year project with the town council to locate, inspect, assess and finance reinstalling the hangings.

It concluded last week, when three of the four original hangings were unveiled at the town hall on Market Hill.

Mr Heard said: “I recall the originals being displayed over 20 years ago and how impressive these wall decorations looked, and I’ve always wanted to see them back in their rightful place.

“Now they are, for all to see.

“I think it’s really lifted the character of the town hall, which I have always felt was somewhat clinical and bland.”

Mr Heard tried to research the hangings online, but after failing to find mention of them, he turned to local historian and Maldon town councillor Stephen Nunn, who said the hangings Alexandra Grainger depicted the signing of the town’s charter by Henry II in 1171 and scenes from the Battle of Maldon in 991.

Mr Nunn said: “The painted hangings were produced back in 1971 to mark the town’s octocentenary, 800 years since the issuing of the oldest surviving charter of 1171. Originally in the old Jubilee Hall, which was built in 1924, they were put into store when it closed and the new town hall constructed.

“They are very much of their time and are caricatures of history, but are an important part of the town’s story.”

The hangings were installed as a permanent reminder of the octocentenary after the Queen visited Maldon in 1971.

Mr Heard said: “I think they look stunning and I’m so proud to see them once again and they have even improved the soundproofing too, so there’s much less echoing. I do hope local people will call in to see them and enjoy them too.”