The Ongar Millennium History Society

The Ongar Millennium History Society Welcome to the Ongar Millennium History Society – preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Chipping Ongar.

We're dedicated to documenting local history, from medieval times to the present day.

DISCOVER ONGAR'S STORY – Join The Ongar Millennium History Society Interested in local history and heritage? Join the On...
07/08/2026

DISCOVER ONGAR'S STORY – Join The Ongar Millennium History Society

Interested in local history and heritage? Join the Ongar Millennium History Society and help preserve and celebrate the history of our town.

Membership is open to everyone – no previous knowledge needed, just an interest in Ongar's past.

MEMBERS ENJOY:

Newsletters
Talks and presentations
Historical walks and visits
Museum and exhibition access
Social events and the chance to meet like-minded people

Your membership helps preserve Ongar's stories, photographs and artefacts for future generations.

Membership: £16 per year (£30 for couples)

To join or find out more:
📧 [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW? Ongar Grammar School was originally founded in 1811 as Ongar Academy.The impressive school building, const...
06/08/2026

DID YOU KNOW? Ongar Grammar School was originally founded in 1811 as Ongar Academy.

The impressive school building, constructed around 1850, grew into a thriving boarding school. By the early 20th century, it accommodated around 140 boarders and boasted playing fields, libraries, and even its own swimming pool.

The school closed in 1940, and the building is now Grade II listed. Today, it is known as Central House, home to a number of local businesses, including Whelby Dental Practice and Tops Nails.

It's amazing to think that one of Ongar's most recognisable buildings has over 200 years of educational history behind it!

Have you got any memories, photographs, or stories about Central House or Ongar Grammar School? The Ongar Millennium History Society would love to hear from you. Leavr a message in the comments or email [email protected] 📖✨

🏛️ Discover the fascinating history of Ongar!Looking for something different to do? The Ongar Millennium History Society...
05/08/2026

🏛️ Discover the fascinating history of Ongar!

Looking for something different to do? The Ongar Millennium History Society would like you to visit the Ongar Museum and uncover the people, places and stories that have shaped our wonderful town.

📅 Open every Wednesday & Saturday
🕙 10:00am – 2:00pm

Whether you've lived in Ongar all your life, you're new to the area, or you're simply curious about local history, there's plenty to explore and enjoy.

Bring the family, browse the exhibits, and see history come to life.

📍Come and discover the rich history that's right on your doorstep!

DISCOVER ONGAR'S STORY – Join The Ongar Millennium History SocietyInterested in local history and heritage? Join the Ong...
22/07/2026

DISCOVER ONGAR'S STORY – Join The Ongar Millennium History Society

Interested in local history and heritage? Join the Ongar Millennium History Society and help preserve and celebrate the history of our town.

Membership is open to everyone – no previous knowledge needed, just an interest in Ongar's past.

MEMBERS ENJOY:

Newsletters
Talks and presentations
Historical walks and visits
Museum and exhibition access
Social events and the chance to meet like-minded people

Your membership helps preserve Ongar's stories, photographs and artefacts for future generations.

Membership: £16 per year (£30 for couples)

To join or find out more:
📧 [email protected]

🌾 DID YOU KNOW? Before Ongar was a town, it was farmland.Fields, farms and farming families shaped the landscape and co...
01/07/2026

🌾 DID YOU KNOW? Before Ongar was a town, it was farmland.

Fields, farms and farming families shaped the landscape and community we know today. Now The Ongar Millennium History Society are looking to preserve those memories—and would love to hear yours.

Share your memories in the comments or email [email protected].

Do you remember:

🚜 Local farms and farming families?
🌾 Harvests, livestock or working the land?
🏚️ Farm buildings and rural landscapes?
🛠️ Traditional farming methods and rural trades?
🌳 How Ongar's countryside has changed over the years?

Whether you lived on a farm, worked in agriculture, or simply remember the countryside as it once was, your stories are a valuable part of Ongar's history.

01/07/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Every street in Ongar has a story.

From medieval markets and Norman castles to railways, fairs, coaching inns and community traditions, the history of Ongar is still visible if you know where to look.

What is your favourite piece of Ongar history?

The Ongar Millennium History Society would like you to comment below or email:
[email protected]

DID YOU KNOW? Ongar and its surrounding villages were heavily featured in the 1086 Domesday Book, which recorded them as...
01/07/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Ongar and its surrounding villages were heavily featured in the 1086 Domesday Book, which recorded them as part of the historic Hundred of Ongar in Essex. The survey reveals fascinating details about the area's population, its chief Norman lord, and the agricultural landscape

26/06/2026

⭐ DID YOU KNOW? The famous nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star was originally a poem called The Star, written by Jane Taylor and first published in Original Poems for Infant Minds in 1804.

Jane Taylor moved from Lavenham in Suffolk to Colchester before moving to Castle Street in Ongar with her family. She died in 1824 and is buried in Ongar churchyard.

DID YOU KNOW?Before supermarkets, Ongar's High Street was filled with specialist shops including:blacksmiths,saddlers,gr...
25/06/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Before supermarkets, Ongar's High Street was filled with specialist shops including:

blacksmiths,
saddlers,
grocers,
fishmongers,
drapers,
milliners.

Many businesses existed for generations and served the surrounding farming community.

Address

Budworth Hall, 205 High Street
Chipping Ongar
CM59JG

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