Singer Jon Greaves releases song about Battle of Maldon

Musician Jon Greaves, known as Greavesey on the music circuit, drew inspiration from what he says is the only detailed account of the conflict - a poem written shortly after the battle.

His song, The Battle of Maldon, is now available on YouTube.

Jon said: "I've always been interested in the battle which took place over a thousand years ago in the year 991 between the Anglo Saxon army lead by Essex Ealdorman Byrhtnoth and a raiding army of Vikings probably lead by the then future king of Norway, Olaf Tryggvason, who had sailed up the River Blackwater intent on raiding Maldon.

"Even though our army took a beating and Byrhtnoth was killed, it is said that the majority of his army refused to retreat and fought to the last man.

"This caused the Vikings enough casualties themselves to make it impossible for them to go ahead with their plan.

"Maldon was spared and I felt a tribute was in order."

Jon, a singer and guitarist with 35 years of experience, performs as part of the trio The Elixir alongside Angela Gardner and Beth Pratt.

The trio also works with Julian May in The Remedy, and more recently Jon has performed as a duo with Cherise Hedges from Burnham.

From the original poem about the battle written shortly afterwards, he has concluded the generally held belief it took place near Northey Island is probably correct.

He said: "I wrote the song and made the accompanying video accordingly.

"However, it's worth mentioning that some feel that Heybridge was the actual location, and put forward a very good case to support this.

"It's up to the individual to listen to both sides and draw their own conclusions.

"Whatever the case, there seems to be little disagreement in what actually took place, which to me is a fascinating piece of local history.

"And I like to think I've managed to relay in song, quite an accurate account of what took place here in our own neighbourhood all those years ago."

The song is available to listen to by searching 'The Battle of Maldon by Jon Greaves' on YouTube.