wow that was quick- register for rootschat today (after it was down so long and can;t remember my old login ) and get a heap of good answers already!
Thanks so much folks.
The St Georges register is the one. Richard (the middle) was a bricklayers labourer. He took Richard (the younger) out of school at the age of 8 and sent him off to be either a farm horse boy or a carrier's mate (depending on the story) while he apparently sat around reading the newspaper (that his son couldn't read) all day and the long suffering "wife" washed clothes to make a crust. By 16 Richard the younger was out of the family home- I think I have located him working as a waggoner but need to get onto Ancestry at the library to get the full details. He later taught himself to read and write and worked at the Shelton Asylum where he did well for himself.
His brother John was a "cripple" who worked as a tailor and sister Fanny later married surname WOODS. The other sister in 1871 is Mary H b 1867- of course there may have been earlier Mary's who died- there was also a family story about a sister Jenny but I have found no record of her at all so she seems to be a myth. Mary H becomes "Minnie" in 1881.
Interesting that they give different addresses at time of marriage though- they were living together as man and wife in Quarry View Buildings, St Chads in 1861, on The Mount in 1871, Frankwell 1881- Richard the middle died in the 1880's. St George's seems to be the one parish in Shrewsbury not previously associated with family (Richard the middle bp at St Mary's, the younger at St Alkmunds, family living in St Chads)- no doubt to avoid awkward questions by the vicar!
Richard the younger went to school on the Mount according to his daughter my great aunt. I think Richard the middle is probably lodging in Castle Foregate in 1851. I have found Richard the elder with wife Ann and sons William and Thomas in 1841.
So many thanks for confirming Sarah Bayley as his mother- lack of a marriage for so many years seems very odd! And also for the confirmation of Richard the middle's father as Richard (the elder) .
Right - now to get to grips with Sarah.....
Thanks
Jane