Chelsea marriage Riley Edwards c1860s

[Ashtone]

Maybe he simply gave Eliza and her children the time of day, and it suited them to use his name.

[Norfolk Nan]

Very possible although why is another mystery    If you stay in the same area you aren't exactly hiding your identity as you might today when everything is done online rather than in person. 

Anyway, it would be good to know that I haven't missed a marriage and given Eliza a totally bad reputation, so if anyone finds one please let me know.

[Ashtone]

Peter's army record (dated 1850) has "Intends to reside in Chelsea" written at the top of the 1st page.
Scots Guards, Drummer, service number 731. He attested in London (Queen Square) in 1825.

[Norfolk Nan]

Yes, I think I said I've got his service papers and there's nothing relevant to Eliza and/or children.

I also have his death cert and the death was recorded by a neighbour who was present at the death.  Why not one of the Edwards?

[Ashtone]

Maybe because Peter was just an acquaintance of the Edwards family at the lodging house.

[Norfolk Nan]

Maybe.  Or Catherine's pregnancy was a reason. She gave birth a few days later.  I'll never know ...

[Ashtone]

This looks like very young Peter in Chelsea.

Royal Military Asylum Apprentice Ledgers 1803-1840 / Royal Military Asylum (Chelsea) Admissions 1803-1901

First name(s)    Peter
Last name    Riley
Birth year    1810
Age    11y
Father's first name(s)    Edward
Mother's first name(s)    Alice
Admission date    6/12/1821
Rank    Private
Regiment    Scots Guards
Trade    Bricklayer
Apprenticed to    RILEY Edward Mr
Master's occupation    Soldier
Apprenticeship end date   18/9/1831
Discharge date    18/9/1824
Place    Chelsea
Address    London. Tower. 3rd Foot Guards. Tower

Record set    British Army Schoolchildren And Schoolmasters 1803-1932

 

[Norfolk Nan]

That's a new one: and interesting.  I don't understand how a soldier can be an apprentice-master as a bricklayer but never mind.  Peter joined the army the following year.  Thanks for this purely on an interest-level. 

[Ashtone]

Given Peter's very early connection to Chelsea, perhaps his name was "convenient" for the Edwards family to use when they had various BMD events. Sounds like he was a life-long bachelor.

You say that Catherine and her baby returned to the surname Edwards after 1871. That suggests to me Peter Riley was simply an acquaintance of the family whilst at the lodging house.