Hi Sue
Further delving has led me on a slightly different path for our Thomas Heath, father of William. I have a marriage of a Thomas Heath to a Mary Gray in Harbourne, Stafford. 10 Mar 1854. Thomas is a Widower and his father is Richard Heath.
It gets a little bit better because in the 1861 census, this Thomas and Mary Heath are living in Castle Church Stafford, he is a Railway Labourer and the eldest of their children is a son, Thomas Heath born 1854, Castle Church, Stafford.
This boy would indeed be a brother to William Heath. In which case Sarah Heath (nee Poulson) died, prior to 1854 leaving her husband a widower and free to marry again.
So I'm thinking now that Richard Heath is the father of Thomas Heath b about 1803, which is the age he gives on the census. Mary's age is about 1818, both giving their birthplace as Stafford. The children's birthplaces are Castle Church Stafford.
I am bubbling a bit with excitement now and have lots more delving to do. And all because you were kind enough to do some checking in the records office for me. Thank you again.
Val