I am sorry that I have not got back to thank you for all the help. I agree with all your research but there a couple of matters that prevent me saying “case closed”
In 1861 that same son Charles is working as a shoeblack and boarding (still in Southwark), with the “Superintendent of Shoe Blacks”. (I note he married the daughter of someone in the shoe business)
The “Society of Shoeblacks” was, I understand, a offshoot of the Ragged Schools movement set up to provide destitute and homeless boys with employment up to age 18. How did Charles, with a family in the area, qualify? Was it enough for him to have quarrelled with his father and been thrown out? I cannot find any records to help answer this question. Did he only reconcile with the family after his father’s death.
I know that we can seldom be certain of our facts and going on the balance of probabilities I am accepting the Southwark family but I am trying to get the Bloomsbury birth certificate.
Thanks again for all your interest.