Hi Adrian,
I believe we may have the same family. My connection is via Elizabeth Copas born 1826 who is baptised Jan 30th 1828 at St Mary's, Whitechapel, Middlesex, whose mother is Elizabeth and father John. John, at baptism, was a bricklayer but my records show that he died before your Charles was born - so, I don't think they can share the same father.
I have found the family on the 1841 Census at Elgar Square, Whitechapel - same parish. This shows my Elizabeth age 15 with her mother Elizabeth age 35. Charles is age 2, with two other brothers George age 10 and William 6 months. So, it would seem that mother Elizabeth had two other children after her husband deceased. From this, it would be necessary to look either side of these dates to see how many other baptisms exist for this surname and if there are burials for children not surviving.
However, I have found one other child Henry who was baptised 1833 at Spitalfields but buried in 1834, age 1. I am considering that I have only found this one because mother Elizabeth could have baptised others with the correct father's name. Possibly, this father died as well so wasn't supporting them by 1841.
So, considering Elizabeth (and my daughter) were servants in 1841, they could have moved around between the children's births according to what work they were picking up.
Would be happy to compare notes. My subscription runs out at the end of the month so, if you want to contact me direct, I can be reached on:
karenaharvey@btinternet.comBest Regards,
Karen