Ongar railway station facts for kids
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| Location | |
|---|---|
| Place | Chipping Ongar |
| Local authority | Epping Forest (district) |
| History | |
| Opened by | Eastern Counties Railway |
| Platforms | 1 |
| Key dates | Opened 1865 (Central line) Closed 1994 (Central line) Reopened 2004 (EOR) Closed every winter |
Ongar tube station is a former London Underground station located in the town of Chipping Ongar, Essex. For many years, it was a very important part of the Central line, which is one of London's underground train lines.
Until it closed in 1994, Ongar was the very last stop at the eastern end of the Central line. It was also known for being the London Underground station farthest away from Central London from 1961 until its closure.
Contents
The Story of Ongar Tube Station
Ongar station first opened way back in 1865. It was originally part of a different railway company before becoming part of the London Underground's Central line. For many decades, people used the station to travel between Ongar and various parts of London.
Its Time with the Central Line
When the Central line took over, Ongar became a key part of the London Underground network. It connected the quiet town of Chipping Ongar with the busy city. Imagine being able to hop on a train in a rural area and travel all the way into the heart of London! This made it easier for people to commute for work or visit the city.
Why Ongar Station Closed
Sadly, Ongar tube station closed its doors in 1994. The main reason for its closure was that not enough people were using the service, especially on the section between Epping and Ongar. Running the trains became too expensive compared to the number of passengers. This meant the station, which had served the community for so long, had to shut down its London Underground services.
Ongar Station Today
Even though the London Underground no longer uses Ongar station, it didn't stay closed forever! In 2004, the Epping Ongar Railway (EOR) took over the line. This heritage railway now operates special trains for visitors.
A Heritage Railway Experience
The Epping Ongar Railway lets people experience what train travel was like in the past. You can ride on old trains and enjoy the countryside views. It's a fun way to learn about railway history and see a station that was once part of the famous London Underground. The station now serves as a popular attraction for families and train enthusiasts.
Images for kids
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9 March 1957, Ongar station still served with steam traction
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Ongar station in April 1977
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London Underground train calls at the station in 1980
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Ongar station, with the sign of the present operator, Epping Ongar Railway (EOR)
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Ongar station when operated by the London and North Western Railway, 1935
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View of platform, 1980
