Oooops - think that the quick look I had I got confused with the
other James Baseley who was born in same area around 1834 too. He seems to be settled in Warwickshire and is pretty consistent through the Censuses. That's how I thought James had a first wife....but I'm now back to Mary Ann being his one and only!
Your James Baseley is in Norton, Northhamptonshire for 1841 and 1851 Census. Can't see anything for him again until he pops up again in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex on 1881 Census . So where is he in 1861 and 71??

This Census entry relates, I believe, to James's mother Ann in 1841 -
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7Q7-9VPAnd this is father William
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7Q7-9VGIt looks like there could be 2 older sisters too. Mary born approx.1829 and Ann born approx. 1831.
I can't see a marriage on Familysearch for William and Ann but tried looking on
www.freereg.org.uk and think there
may be a marriage record transcribed on it in 1830. Have a wee look! I'm not sure it is the couple but it would be a starting point to investigate. There is also a burial in Long Buckby (where James is living in 1841 Census) - Ann Baseley 18 SEP 1873 which again could be of interest.
I have to confess here that I don't really know that much about searching the English records. I'm Scottish and my experience is with Scottish records (which are slightly different

). I just came upon your first post when browsing the site and thought I could maybe give a hand. Perhaps to get more local knowledge and experience you could message the Moderator for the Common Room board and ask if they could move your thread to Northamptonshire board. There are bound to be folk who peruse it who could help you better than me.
Good luck Sophie,
Looby

(Linda)