Thanks Sylvia P,

Yes, I did get the birth details from the 1871 census.

Reuben snr and Mary Anne don't appear in the 1881 census - only two of their children do at the grandparents house. Either they were completely missed off the enumerator's list, or something must have happened. I think Philip died in 1872 aged 3 (Luton registration district).

Reuben snr comes back on the radar in 1891 and 1901 in Plymouth, Devon.

I've had this brick wall for a number of years, but I haven't given up yet!