Welcome to the OMHS website
Ongar Millennium History Society was formed from a history project in 2000 to raise public awareness of the history of our ancient market town.
Since then the society has undertaken research, published the well-received book 'Aspects of the History of Ongar' and established a short Town Walk following paving stones markers. We’ve printed booklets, sewn historical altar kneelers for St Martin's Church, archived historical photographs, books, maps and artefacts.
In April 2024 the society opened a small museum inside Budworth Hall, with an illustrated timeline showing a series of key historical events in the town.
We continue to encourage others to use their interests and skills to keep Ongar's history alive for future generations.
We welcome all visitors to the town.
If you are interested in local history, there is a wealth of information available in our Newsletters - take a look!
Latest News and Upcoming Events
Invitation to an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
Dear Member / Friend of Ongar Millennium History Society
The Committee of the Ongar Millennium History Society (OMHS) warmly invites you to attend an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to discuss the future of the Society and its next chapter.
This is an important meeting and all members and friends are encouraged to attend.
Date: Friday 13th March 2026
Time: 11:30 am – approximately 12:15 pm
Venue: Budworth Hall, Ongar
The EGM will be followed by a social lunch with wine and snacks
concluding at approximately 3:00 pm.
Purpose of the Meeting
The EGM has been called to consider whether the Ongar Millennium History Society should continue. If agreed, attendees will be invited to share ideas for re-launching and reshaping the Society, and to express interest in forming a new committee to take OMHS forward.
Members are encouraged to bring a friend who may be interested in local or family history. Information about membership and subscriptions (due in April) will be shared at the meeting.
We very much hope you will be able to join us for this important discussion and informal social gathering.
We would be grateful if you can confirm via email whether or not you will be attending the meeting:
ongarmillenniumhistorysociety@gmail.comThe OMHS Museum
The museum will be shut during January and February 2026
Our small museum at Budworth Hall, on the ground floor next to the bar, opens every
Wednesday morning 11-1pm
(subject to staffing)
The aims of OMHS
a) to raise public awareness of the history of the historic market town of Chipping Ongar
b) to encourage research into all aspects of the town's history and to collect materials for display
c) to produce relevant publications and to organise meetings to further these aims
d) to support other local organisations concerned with the town's heritage
e) to be watchful for threats to the town's heritage and to campaign appropriately to protect them
Historical Sites Map
