have taken over for a time, although perhaps only from necessity. A few years later he found a transitory tenant, William Hawkes, and then, about 1823, another tenant, George Munyard or Munyeard, who took root.
   During the earlier part of the century, the rich market garden areas around Greenwich and Lewisham, long plentiful sources of supply to the metropolis, were proving even more valuable as the sites of bricks and mortar. In consequence, the market gardeners were obliged to seek fresh fields and the local dairy farmers pasture new; that task was no doubt gladly undertaken by those of them who were owners and less gladly by those who were tenants.
   Whether he had been an owner or a tenant, George Munyard was evidently amongst those who gave way to the developers. He was a native of Greenwich, where many friends and relations remained after he came to Ash. Long years after, a number of then attended the party at Terry’s Lodge

with which he and his wife Mary celebrated their the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage in the summer of 1845.
   To judge from a highly coloured account which appeared in an organ of the local press, ¹⁵ that was something of an occasion. About seventy friends and relatives were present, to be served with a cold collation and an abundance of the choicest wines in a commodious marquee. Outside the tent, the menservants of the farm, said to be nearly thirty in number, partook of an excellent dinner. About twenty female servants were regaled within the house. The children of the parochial schools, with their masters and mistresses, had to rest content with buns and ale.
   An excellent band was in attendance and there were quadrilles and dancing, as well as cricket and quoits. ‘Mr. Fletcher, a resident gentleman in the neighbourhood, particularly distinguished himself in the song of "The