Yes I'd found Thomas Dobby in 1881 and 1871 in Horsforth, Leeds (this also being his birthplace). The 1891 census gives his birthplace as Ripon, could this be an error? In my eagerness and inexperience I've jumped ahead of myself. I assumed Thomas's parents to be James Dobby and Hannah Foster and ordered their marriage certificate. This shows both to be living in Horsforth at the time of their marriage in 1859. It gives James Dobby's profession as being a 'cordwainer' which appears to be a shoemaker, so this would fit. I'm concerned however, since there is a discrepancy with Thomas's birthplace that I have wrongly matched him to James and Hannah and am jumping to conclusions. Hope this makes sense. Thanks for your help. Jane