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History of Ongar (Chipping Ongar)

Ongar, High Street 1923
Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.

History of Ongar >> Ongar Snippets

Ongar Snippets

When researching for this website we often find a little snippet of information on a location or subject which may be of interest. Some are quirky, some show that there is nothing new in this world, and some about the attitudes and morals of the time. [index to snippets] Here are some for Ongar about a wife for sale, a miser, and a fight.

Times 31 December 1823

On Saturday inst a man, named Feake, led his wife into Chipping Ongar-market, in Essex, by a halter, and there exposed her for sale. She was soon purchased by a young man, a blacksmith, of High Ongar, at the price of 10s. Her person was by no means unpleasing, and she appeared to be about 25 years of age. The collector of tolls actually demanded and received from the purchaser the customary charge of one penny, which is always paid upon live stock sold therein per head! -Evening Paper

These stories reflect disgrace on the local magistracy. These sales being contra bonos mores, are contrary to law on that ground alone; and the public commission of an illegal act is, as every tyro knows, an indictable offence.

Times 31 January 1837

Death of a miser.

On Wednesday an old miller, who resided at Ongar, in Essex, died of the prevailing epidemic, leaving £7,000 in cash and notes, and a similar amount invested in the Bank of England. The deceased lived in the most penurious manner, and during his illness would neither have a fire in his room nor apply for medical advice, for fear of the expense.

On examining the boxes and drawers in his house the money and documents were found to amount ot £14,000. The notes were discovered hidden between the leaves of books, and in some bags were penny pieces and fathings, to the amount of £30, which must have been hoarded up for many years.

A will was also found, bequething the whole of his immense treasure to his relatives, about 12 in number. His niece, who was his greatest favourite, displeased him by marrying a second time, and he has not left her a shilling, but has bequethed £1000 to each of her for children.

Ipswich Journal 5 November 1864

Biting off an ear

At Ongar Petty Sessions a few days since, Thomas Butler, a 'navvy' was sentenced to two months' hard labour for savagely assaulting Henry Cobbold, another 'navvy' and biting off a portion of his ear. In defence Butler said it was the way they fought in this country.

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