Dr Burghart's History Notes

As a historian, I am always keen to seek out the history of where I live and work. I cannot pass a village church without popping in to read the plaques and gravestones. In the Brentwood and Ongar constituency we have the oldest wooden church in the world (in Greenstead, near Ongar), and one of the newest wooden churches, St Francis in West Horndon. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was written by Jane Taylor, who lived in Chipping Ongar...and explorer David Livingstone stayed in the town before setting off on his great journey to Africa.

My History Notes bring you some of the stories I have come across while travelling around the constituency, and if you have any thoughts on places for me to visit to learn more about our local history please get in touch.

News

Celebrating 175 Years at Ingatestone Station

Brentwood and Ongar constituency has a high number of commuters travelling daily to and from work and school from our four stations – Ingatestone, Brentwood, Shenfield and West Horndon – not to forget those of us who travel from the West of the constituency using Epping or Theydon Bois.

Old Treasures

It’s been a sensational week for local history. St Andrew’s Church in Greensted - which may be the world’s oldest wooden church - has secured a place in Historic England's feted “Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places”.

Historic Brentwood

When the signage was stripped away from a Brentwood High Street shop which had for many years housed the popular toy and bicycle shop, B&M Cycles, fabulous Victorian tiles and an old shop sign were revealed.