Help: brick wall GODLEY

[Ciphy]

Some research I did on findings by willsy and rosie99. I see the connection of John GODLY married to Mary Peckham 1837 West Hoathly and Census 1851 Lindfield they live with 2 nieces Packham.
Thomas GODLEY (living 1841 on farm Plumerden) isn't there anymore.
Also research marriage 1845 Brighton of a Lucy GODLEY (born 1825) to Thomas AGATE (born 1825), this Lucy's father named Thomas GODLEY (born 1805) and witness: John GODLEY and Mary GODLEY.
No proof found yet that "my" William Thomas GODLEY is related to this John GODLEY (born about 1814). A brother or cousin?
In census 1841 couple Thomas GODLEY and Mary SKINNER (married Isfield 1812) with children baptised in Lindfield: a Lucy GODLEY 1815 and a Thomas GODLEY 1818.
These are 2 different birthyears Lucy Godley.
Because husband of "my" Lucy GODLEY (sister of WT Godley) is named John (surname unknown) on a private document, I am not convinced yet that it concerns the same Lucy.
About parents (dead before 1852) of WT GODLEY: a Thomas GODLEY died 1838 Cuckfield (covers Lindfield) could be father of WT, but no proof of relation. Nothing found about death of his mother a Lucy (or Mary) GODLEY (SKINNER). So more UK research needed.
Cath151 your findings on 16 sep about William T GODLEY (aged 22 in 1841) are very promissing. I am convinced this is him. It means born around 1819. This could be the Thomas bapt. 1818 as mentioned above. (That later suited him better to be born 1822 and called William).
If possible, suggestions/help is still appreciated about WT GODLEY: years before he left UK / ancestors.
 

[Neale1961]

Ciphy, The Navy Record for William T. Godley of Lindfield, Sussex is clearly for the correct person – your William T. Godley.
You have found your William in the 1841 census, and then in November 1841 he joined the English navy.
He had to be age 21 to join the navy, so William lied about his age, and said he was 22.
Many years later (in 1855), his correct birth date of “March 1822 born at Lindfield” was added to his navy record.
His navy record gives you detailed information about where he was, and what ships he served on, and his work, from Nov 1841 to October 1876, when he retired from the navy. While with the navy, William served mostly as a steward.

From his navy record we can see that William was only in England for about 1 month in June 1848, and that he was stationed in Mauritius from late 1849.

There will be no other records in England for your William Godley. The earliest census was in 1841.


Regarding  “Annie LISTER a cousin from Sussex. Annie had a sister or daughter: Mary LISTER.”
You have not provided enough information here to make a useful search.

About parents (dead before 1852) of WT GODLEY: a Thomas GODLEY died 1838 Cuckfield (covers Lindfield) could be father of WT, but no proof of relation. Nothing found about death of his mother a Lucy (or Mary) GODLEY (SKINNER). So more UK research needed.

Perhaps have a look to see if Mary Godley (Skinner) married again after her husband died.