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
This year has been exceptionally productive and engaging for the society, featuring a diverse range of activities and acquisitions.
We successfully hosted two major exhibitions. The first focused on Captain Budworth and his hall, and the second, held during the town's festival, covered Ongar in WWII.
Our outings included a memorable visit to The Royal Chelsea Hospital and a unique walk around the privately owned inner bailey of our castle site.
Our educational programme continued with a lecture on the Essex Territorials, Captain Budworth, and the Militia, and a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Essex Record Office. We were also pleased to provide an outline of Ongar's history to the residents of Weighbridge Court.
Our collection has been significantly enriched by several generous donations this year.
We were loaned some intriguing artefacts from the local Foot Clinic, as well as finds from a metal detectorist. Additionally, we were gifted:
• Two Ongar/Greensted First Day Covers from the 1970s.
• Two 19th Century White's Directories covering Essex.
• An 1824 historic map of Essex.
We are planning a Christmas Social next month for our members!
The OMHS Museum
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
