Jan-
in 1881, I have Thomas Hollingsworth (age 53) Mary (age 24) living at 28, Northampton St with Bertha, Edward, Cecilia(?) and Richard.
Hopefully thats what you have, right?
That makes perfect sense, but the strange 1881 Newcastle census listing as Thomas Hollingsworth (actor, 54, Southampton) is confusing us.
maybe it is simply that he being truthful and he moved (for work???) between the census enumerator calling at the London address and then on a different day at the Newcastle address.

We are not sure where Thomas Richey is in 1881 - it is strange he not listed on the census anywhere, ...at least not with that name!
as you know from his military papers he joined the army, Queens (West Surrey) Regmt in 1883
One earlier post (by LIZ?) shed some doubt on his age, as we had the age '38' being crossed out and '42' inserted on some military papers ....we should check what year that was...
I have the 1881 census and Thomas/Robert Hollingsworth (or Tom) was living with my Gran in Middlesex with all the children. where was Thomas richey in 1881