Hi Z and Bram - asleep at the moment in Oz.
Yes, that all makes sense, Z...it will be interesting to see if anything more crops up on the gypsy forum.
And yes, I had thought as well that the 1844 Newport birth of John seemed best fit. It's a pity we can't read these certificates free of charge to see the father.
I have been busy trying to find out about Catherine and to differentiate between the the other couple in St Julian's, Shrewsbury.I have found a marriage which could be the other Thomas :-
Thomas Bayley married Catherine Jones, 15 Aug 1836, St. Mary, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
That seems to tie up with that Catherine having been born in Wales, as shown in later censuses and the area is right for that other couple, where all their children are born in Shrewsbury.
So that frees up the 1834 Newport marriage for Thomas and Catharine Aspery as a strong contender for ours.
I am trying to find out whether Catharine Aspery (or maybe Asprey or Astbury) had been married before.
Also, Thomas is entered as Married in the 1851 census, although she is not there with him, but I can't find a reliable death or census entry for her up to 1861, when he appears as a widower.
Sorry you are having health issues, Bram. It's a pleasure to be able to help and it's nice to get stuck into a challenge - especially when I can justify putting my toe up!!!
Ah well, back to the 1800s..
Barbara