IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Crossbow Court, ONGAR, CM5 9SZ

See Image

This block of 6 cottages is Grade II Listed and the English Heritage website describes it thus, additions in square brackets by the photographer:- "6 cottages in 2 blocks with a central passageway [leading to the United Reformed Church]. C18 with C20 rear extensions. Timber framed and rough rendered. Plain red tile roofs at two levels, with 4 hipped dormers to left and 4 gabled dormers to right, small paned casements and sliding sashes respectively. Moulded eaves cornices. 2 storeys and attics. 8 window range of small paned vertical sliding sash windows to first floor. Left block with 3 matching windows to ground floor and 3 four panelled doors with pediments and brackets. Right block with 3, 4 panel doors, flat canopies and brackets and moulded surrounds. 4 window range, two of which have 3 lights. A central plaque to this block records that they "[These cottages are] were vested in Trustees for the benefit of the [Ongar] Congregational Church, pursuant to the wishes of the late Josiah Gilbert [In memoriam] 15[th] August 1892". A plaque over the central passageway records that "in this room David Livingstone lived in 1838 just before proceeding to his great work in Central Africa". The passageway lintel is supported by ornate brackets and is boarded throughout." Please see Mike's Image and Image for close-up views of the plaques. The reason for Livingstone's presence in Chipping Ongar was that he was attached to the church in Ongar whilst undertaking his training under the direction of the London Missionary Society.

I have used and am obliged to Nigel Cox for his detailed description. This block of 6 cottages is Grade II Listed and the English Heritage website describes it thus, additions in square brackets by the photographer, Nigel Cox :- "6 cottages in 2 blocks with a central passageway [leading to the United Reformed Church]. C18 with C20 rear extensions. Timber framed and rough rendered. Plain red tile roofs at two levels, with 4 hipped dormers to left and 4 gabled dormers to right, small paned casements and sliding sashes respectively. Moulded eaves cornices. 2 storeys and attics. 8 window range of small paned vertical sliding sash windows to first floor. Left block with 3 matching windows to ground floor and 3 four panelled doors with pediments and brackets. Right block with 3, 4 panel doors, flat canopies and brackets and moulded surrounds. 4 window range, two of which have 3 lights. A central plaque to this block records that they "[These cottages are] were vested in Trustees for the benefit of the [Ongar] Congregational Church, pursuant to the wishes of the late Josiah Gilbert [In memoriam] 15[th] August 1892". A plaque over the central passageway records that "in this room David Livingstone lived in 1838 just before proceeding to his great work in Central Africa". The passageway lintel is supported by ornate brackets and is boarded throughout." The reason for Livingstone's presence in Chipping Ongar was that he was attached to the church in Ongar whilst undertaking his training under the direction of the London Missionary Society.

Livingstone Cottages in High Street Ongar date from the 18th century and are Grade II Listed. A plaque over the central passageway records that "in this room David Livingstone lived in 1838 just before proceeding to his great work in Central Africa". Hence the name. The large arch in the centre leads through to Ongar United Reformed Church.

This entrance is shown in Image Shows the location of Image

See Image Livingstone started studying medicine at Anderson's University, Glasgow in 1836; two years later he suspended his course and spent a year at the London Missionary Society in Chipping Ongar. He moved to London in 1840 to complete his medical studies http://www.livingstoneonline.ucl.ac.uk/biog/dl/bio.html .

This attractive house is on High Street, just past Castle Street.

See Image and Image