The Essex area in the middle of nowhere once a hub for thousands of commuters
Some Essex villages and areas are plonked right in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by greenery. While these areas now make for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Essex's busier cities and towns, one spot in particular was once a hub for commuters - despite not having many travel amenities today.
Ongar is a civil parish in the Epping Forest District in south east Essex. Nestled in between Brentwood and Epping, Ongar is now a residential hub surrounded by wildlife and nature, and doesn't even have a train station - but this wasn't always the case.
Ongar Underground Station, which opened as part of the Great Eastern Railway's London Underground extension on April 24, 1865, served as the terminus, according to MyLondon. In its early days, it was primarily a steam-powered station.
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But with the arrival of electric trains and the extension of the London Underground's Central line, the station was electrified in the 1940s. By 1949, Ongar had become part of the London Underground network, specifically the Central line.
The stop functioned as a key part of the Central line, with regular train services connecting Essex residents to the heart of London for several decades. However, due to a combination of factors, including the high cost of maintaining the line's rural sections, the decision was eventually made to close the station in September 1994 - and it is now a museum dedicated to the line.
Today, the town has a rich historical heritage, with origins dating back to Saxon times when it was an important market town. The Ongar Castle and the town's charming high street -lined with quaint shops, cafes and pubs - give the area a distinct historical feel.
The sense of community is strong, with a variety of local events, farmers' markets and festivals bringing residents together. Ongar's close knit community and village atmosphere make it a welcoming and friendly place for visitors and residents alike.
It has some lovely restaurants, such as Smith's, often frequented by Essex's celebs, and is even said to be home to the oldest wooden church in the world. You can still visit Greensted Church today!
While the town lacks a train station, it is indeed a nature lover's paradise. It offers a charming amount of countryside tranqullity, surrounded by rolling fields, woodlands and the scenic River Roding nearby - and it is strange to think that such a peaceful area was once chock-ful of commuters!
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