A SERIES of Maldon history talks will be returning next week.

The first of the Heritage Winter Talks for 2018 will be next Tuesday, November 6 at Friends Meeting House in Butt Lane, Maldon.

The talk by Kevin Bruce is called Letters to the Admiralty, a look at the role the Blackwater and Crouch estuaries had during the Napoleonic Wars.

A spokesman said: “During the Napoleonic Wars, the Royal Navy was stationed ashore and in our estuaries in the Maldon District.

“The Sea Fencibles were manned by our fishermen and sailors under the supervision of Naval Officers and a series of coastal signal stations were staffed with naval personnel.

“Naval gun boats also guarded the Blackwater and Crouch estuaries intercepting coastal shipping.

“The officers wrote to the Lords of the Admiralty reporting on matters concerning their operations giving us a fascinating insight into the people and events within our District during those worrying times with the threat of invasion.

“Since 2002, we have hosted a series of five Heritage Winter Talks each year.

“These are free to the public and are hugely popular. Each talk focuses on an aspect of local heritage or history.”

Councillor Penny Channer added: “These popular talks are a great way to learn more about our history and heritage.

“They are free of charge and a lot of fun, so why not come along.”

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

For details, visit maldon.gov.uk/info/20049/heritage_and_conservation/9189/events/3.