The Plough Inn

This was once a well-known inn! 

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Like many old inns, the Plough appears repeatedly in the archives. Deeds, mortgages, wills, licensing records and court cases all help build a picture of an establishment that was far more than simply somewhere to enjoy a pint. It was a family home, a business, and an important part of everyday life in the town.

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The earliest reference found so far dates from 1869, when Mr Will Jones applied for a new licence on behalf of Mr Williams of the Plough Inn. The inn was evidently well established by this time and continued trading into the twentieth century, with records confirming it was still operating in 1919.

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The Plough's history is closely associated with the Davies and Jones families. Property records show Jane Davies, wife of Robert Davies, described as the licensed victualler of the Plough Inn. A mortgage in 1896 covered the public house, its yards, and surrounding premises in Lancaster Square, showing that it was a substantial property rather than simply the building seen from the street.

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The archives also contain several references to Hannah Jones. In September 1912 she appears in a transfer of mortgage, and by December 1916 she was named as beneficiary in the draft will of Robert William Jones of the Plough Inn, illustrating how ownership and management of the business passed through successive generations.

 

Like other establishments in town, it found itself in trouble with the law.

On 1 July 1889 Robert Davies was charged with allowing drunkenness on the licensed premises. He was found guilty and fined forty shillings together with costs, with one month's imprisonment if the fine was not paid. 

Another case in 1904 involved Thomas Jones of Bryn Sirri Terrace, Gyffin. He was accused of stealing a dog collar(!!!) belonging to Alfred Williams of the Plough Inn. Witnesses included Alfred Williams himself, Police Constable Edward Williams, and quarryman John Jones. Thomas Jones was found guilty, fined £2 and ordered to pay costs.

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