You located the right couple - Ann & Alfred did marry as you state.
Ann, born in Ireland (exact location unknown) was formerly a PHELAN.
Ann was actually expecting her second child - a son called Alfred - at the time of the marriage; he was born 3 months later.
As to whether THOMAS was Alfred's natural son, I have no way of knowing.
I tend to think, rightly or wrongly, that THOMAS was not ALFRED's son.
I have searched extensively through English birth registers (and applied for certificates of possible candidates) but am unable to find his birth listed either under COLLINS or PHELAN.
Of course, based upon lack of evidence to the contrary, it's more than likely that THOMAS was born in Ireland before Ann came over here but how would I go about trying to search for his birth in Irish records?
Throughout his adult life (censuses) THOMAS always gave his place of birth as 'Linslade' but perhaps he knew no different? Ann and Alfred, after their marriage lived in Aylesbury where they raised their children between Jan 1868 - Oct 1873.
I thank you for your reply and if you have any further ideas as to how I continue what is, so far, a fruitless search, I'll much appreciate it!
