Edward Francis/Forge & Hammer Public House Pontypool

['Trish']

I am researching the name of Francis in & around St Margarets & Michaelchurch Eskley Herefordshire.  I have reached a Richard Francis who married Eliza Smith.  I am having trouble finding this couple as they seem to alter their ages at every census.  At present I have located them on the 1861 Census Richard born 1816 Michaelchurch Eskley, 1871 Census at St Margarets born 1823.  Eliza on the 1861 Census b1815 St Margarets & 1871 Census born 1821 Michaelchurch Eskley.
Secondly I am trying to locate a public house called the Forge & Hammer, where my ancestor Edward (son of above) was suppose to have been a Innkeeper there.
I would be eternally greatful if anyone could help a struggling family history researcher!
Regards Pauline

[Puffcat]

On 1851 family are in St Margarets
Richard aged 36
Eliza aged 34
Richard aged 8
Robert aged 6
Eliza aged 5 months

[Puffcat]

Cannot see their marriage anywhere, what year was it ?

[Puffcat]

 In 1881 Richard is a widower aged 70 and living alone in a cottage at Michaelchurch Escley, next door are William Frances aged 64 and wife Augusta.

[Fisherman]

Hi Pauline

The second part of your query.

Forge Hammer Inn
High Street
Pontypool

Fisherman

['Trish']

Thanks very much, for the address of the Forge Hammer inn.  The problem being now is how do I prove/disprove the family legend that he was the Innkeeper.  It seems to run in the family as his son(?) Robert was an Innkeeper of the Royal Oak Public House I presume in St Margarets or Michaelchurch Eskley?

Regards Pauline

['Trish']

In 1881 Richard is a widower aged 70 and living alone in a cottage at Michaelchurch Escley, next door are William Frances aged 64 and wife Augusta.

Thanks, for the info maybe you can help point me in the right direction, how do I go about proving/disproving the family legend that he was an Innkeeper Edwards son (Richard) of the Royal Oak Public House in St Margarets.  I have it on census 1861 but need to find Edward at the Forge Hammer Inn.  Regards Pauline