Ongar – A Historic Market Town

Nestled in the beautiful Essex countryside, Chipping Ongar is one of the county's most charming market towns. Rich in history yet very much alive with independent businesses, local events and community organisations, Ongar offers visitors and residents the perfect blend of heritage and modern village life.

For Forest Radio, Ongar represents everything we love about local communities: a commitment to bring people together through great music, trusted local information and health advice. Whether you're listening to timeless hits from the 1950s to the 90s, discovering local events or hearing advice from health professionals, we're proud to serve communities including Ongar.

A Brief History of Ongar

The name Ongar is believed to derive from an Old English word meaning "grassland" or "pasture", reflecting the area's agricultural roots. The settlement became increasingly important following the Norman Conquest when Ongar Castle, a motte-and-bailey fortress, was established to protect this strategic part of Essex. During the 12th century, the nearby market town of Chipping Ongar grew around the castle, with "Chipping" deriving from the Old English word ceping, meaning market.

One of the town's most remarkable landmarks is Greensted Church, located just outside Ongar. Believed to be the oldest wooden church in the world still standing, parts of its timber nave date back to the Saxon period, making it one of Essex's most fascinating historic treasures.

Ongar also played an important role in transport history. The railway arrived in the 19th century, connecting the town with London and helping local trade flourish. Today, the former station lives on as the eastern terminus of the heritage Epping Ongar Railway, where visitors can enjoy vintage diesel and steam train journeys through the Essex countryside.

Ongar Today

Modern Ongar has retained much of its traditional market town character. The historic High Street is lined with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and local businesses, while regular community events help maintain the welcoming atmosphere that residents value.

The surrounding countryside offers excellent walking routes, cycling opportunities and access to nearby attractions throughout the Epping Forest district. Whether you're enjoying a coffee in the town centre, browsing independent retailers or exploring local history, Ongar continues to be one of Essex's hidden gems.

Its location also makes it an attractive place to live, combining rural charm with straightforward access to London, Chelmsford, Brentwood and Harlow.

Forest Radio – Proudly Serving Essex Communities

For nearly fifty years, Forest Radio has been part of everyday life across Essex.

Our unique mix of programming makes us different from many commercial radio stations. Alongside carefully selected music from the 1950s through to the 1990s, we provide:

• Community news, events and what's on guides from across Essex
• Health and wellbeing information from trusted local partners
• Practical information that matters to local listeners delivered by friendly presenters who know and love the area they broadcast to.
• Good time oldies from the 50s to the 90s.

We're passionate about celebrating towns like Ongar because strong communities deserve a strong local voice.

Whether you're reminiscing with classic hits from Elvis, The Beatles, Motown, ABBA, Queen, Elton John or Simply Red, or tuning in for trusted local information, Forest Radio is here to keep Essex informed, entertained and connected.

Why Local Radio Still Matters

In an age of streaming playlists and national broadcasters, local radio remains one of the best ways to stay connected with your community.

Forest Radio offers something others can't:

• Local stories
• Community health information
• Music spanning five unforgettable decades
• A genuine connection with listeners across Essex

As Ongar grows and preserves its heritage, Forest Radio is proud to be part of that community story.

Whether you've lived in Ongar all your life or you're discovering Ongar for the first time, tune in to Forest Radio and enjoy the soundtrack of the 50s to the 90s, alongside the latest community news and health information that helps keep Essex connected.