Dr Burghart's History Notes

David Livingstone plaque in Chipping Ongar

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

Unforgettable Violin Music at Holocaust Memorial Service

I was honoured to take part in the very well attended Holocaust Remembrance Service at Hutton and Shenfield Union Church at the weekend. There was a fantastic address by Natalie Cumming, whose aunt played the violin while a prisoner in Auschwitz.

Ringing In The New Year

If ever there was a season for the ringing of bells, this is it. The bellringers of this constituency are a keen and busy bunch.

Celebrating Essex Day

Essex Day

The feast of St Cedd, who preached to the apostate East Saxons and who died of plague on this day in 664.
Raised on Lindisfarne by Aidan, he is the patron saint of Essex.

Brentwood Cathedral Given Grade II listing by Historic England

I am delighted the glorious architecture of Brentwood Cathedral has been listed at Grade II* by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England. The first classical cathedral to be built in the country since St Paul’s Cathedral and was inspired b

Essex Day: Feast of St Cedd

Essex Day, which is celebrated on the Feast of St Cedd, has been marked by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Rt. Hon.

Holiday at Home? Places to Visit in Brentwood and Ongar

As children break up for the summer holidays, and the weather, occasionally, brightens up to toast us and our gardens, thoughts turn to travel and time away from home. You might have a holiday abroad booked and are waiting with bated breath to see if you can get away without being pinged,