Hi Frances, I couldn't find any Coles on the island so thank you very much for giving me this information. Odd, though, that there is no Margaret mentioned as she would only be small at the time.

The first I can find them in Cheshire is in 1861 as follows:- William Birch aged 23, Margaret Birch aged 24.

1881 census shows:
Birch William 42 b. Heswall, Gardener
Margaret W 44
William S 15 Farm Servant
Peter S 14 Scholar
Joseph S 12 Scholar
Edward S 11 Scholar
Thomas S 4 Scholar
Henry S 2

As we know, the census records can/and sometimes do give conflicting information.

I'm very grateful to you for you help.