Wow, thank you everyone! I’ll try and answer all the questions.
The last trace of him is on the baptism of daughter Rose in 1897, his wife Rose is married in 1901 census but widowed in 1911, she and the children end up in the workhouse a number of times after 1901, as I’ve been unable to locate a likely death record around that time I suspected he may have left rather than died?
On Roses death certificate in 1919 she is described as widow of William Thomas, coachman in domestic service, he is also William Thomas on one of the children’s marriage certificates but Thomas William on his son Thomas’ marriage certificate ( he is also variously known as William Thomas or Thomas William)
William Grace b 1868 of ticehurst was my chief suspect for a while, the fathers name and occupation matches that on Williams marriage certificate and he also lived briefly in the same area of Chelsea in 1871 census. It would mean William was only 18 at marriage but I guess this could be why they married by licence? I’m sure I then discounted him but cannot now remember for what reason?
Why cannot I find him on any censuses to confirm it’s the right one? This man has lost me so many hours!!
