The presence of the Blackwater river estuary has not only invited Viking longboats to explore its waters but also attracted the Romans to colonise Maldon to catch fish and harvest oysters to feed their settlement. The Blackwater has continued to contribute to the prosperity of the delightful market town of Maldon since Saxon times. During the 1100s Maldon was granted a Royal Charter which allowed the king to use the town’s port for his personal trading purposes. Subsequently Maldon became home to the famous Maldon barges which ferried agricultural goods down Blackwater river and along the east coast to and from London. At their peak there could have been as many as 5,000 barges making this journey; a few can be seen on Hythe Quay in Maldon. Due to the presence of both saltwater marsh and farmland, the river’s banks and tidal estuary areas are rich in wildlife. Maldon is well known amongst sailing enthusiasts and there are a number of marina’s in the area - including the main marina at Blackwater. The town is known internationally as the home of Maldon Sea Salt which is derived from the salt crystals from the salt marshes bordering the Blackwater river.