Phillips family prior to 1871

[Philldw]

I am having problems tracing back my family prior to the 1871 census.
My Great Great Grandfather Henry (Harry) Phillips was born in Portsmouth on 3rd Feb 1856.
His father was William John Phillips born 30 Mar 1823 (i think) and mother Harriet Hughes born 5th Feb 1826 (i think) cannot find them on 1861 or 8161 census but assuming they were in Portsmouth area. Any assistance greatly appreciated.David 

[Dundee]

In 1861 they are still in Portsea

Class: RG 9; Piece: 640; Folio: 98b; Page: 5

[Dundee]

1851 is probably this one, first son William the only child.

Class: HO107; Piece: 1658; Folio: 88; Page: 17

[ciderdrinker]

hi
They are being a bit awkward on the 1861 but are there.
37 Cresswell St Portsea
William  S Phillips 32 carter Portsmouth
Harriet 33 Bishopstoke
William j 11 Portsmouth
John R 7 Landport
Henry  G 5
Harriet 2

1851 Portsea Nichols  ?
William Phillips 21 labourer Landport Hants
Harriet 23 seamstress Cred Hill
William 9 mths Portmouth

1841 Park St Landport Portsmouth
Jane Jones 30 mariners wife y
Henry 5
Maria Phillips 20 y
William 18 baker y
Matilda 1 y

Less sure of the 1841 but time running out on Library computer

Ciderdrinker

[Philldw]

Thanks folks! being a bit thick here but how do I use these reference numbers to find the record on that particular census year on Ancestry? for example;
 Class: HO107; Piece: 1658; Folio: 88; Page: 17
 Thanks  again David 

[jim1]

What you do is select a census (in this example I've selected 1851) click edit & enter the ref. no. as shown.
There are 3 candidates for Wiiliam's birth:
Bapt. 30/3/1823 Ma. Martha.
do 8/12/1823 fa. James ma. Elizabeth
do 6/7/1828 middle name John fa. Robert ma. Elizabeth.
all Portsea.