My great grandfather was Thomas Manning. He came from Ireland and the first documented evidence of him is his marriage at Courtfield Chapel, Welsh Bicknor on 17th August 1880, it shows him as having been staying in Lydbrook prior to that date. I have found in the Morris & Co. Commercial Directory & Gazetteer of Lydbrook 1876 that there was a John Manning, Station master at Lower Lydbrook Railway Station. I have searched the Welsh and English 1871/1881 census and cannot find John. I wonder if anyone can help identify him as he could be a relative of Thomas's and have a different christian name. Thank you.

Well Thomas was easy to find (!)

1881
Thomas Manning abt 1855 Dublin, Ireland Head Welsh Bicknor Herefordshire
Maria Manning abt 1854 Goodrich, Hereford, England Wife Welsh Bicknor Herefordshire

can't see any likely candidates for John yet, trouble with railway workers is they can "pop up" almost anywhere on the rail network !!!