1881 Census.millwright at Downham Market Norfolk,lodging with Mary Watts. Age given as 32, so date of birth is 1849

1861 census listed as being 11, so that would make it 1849/50 for his birth.

1871 census Ryburgh Norfolk at innkeeper’s RG10/1851/45 page 15
Thomas FLEGG unm 21lodger, millwright b Suffolk Middleton
James CADMAN 37 lodger, Millwright b Wickham Market Suffolk

On marriage certificate 27 Jun 1872, Thomas is age 22, Bachelor, Millwright, of Barking , father William Flegg, carpenter, Lydia is 25, spinster, no profession, of Little Glemham, father John Ponder, hawker. Both signed, witnesses Walter Taylor, and J.Ward, performed by R.H.King, Rector. (Walter Taylor is husband of Lydia’s sister Eliza)

From a letter from Peter Filby who researched mills and millwrights in Norfolk, Thomas would probably be a journeyman, or self-employed, having served a 7 years apprenticeship. He suggests various possible employers. He says by the mid 1850s millwrights work had changed form carpentry work to skilled engineers. Further info about Downham market. Says many millers and millwrights were nonconformist and employed like people

1891 Census Bridge Road Downham Market RG 12/1572 page 28
Thomas Flegg head mar 41 Milling Engineer b Suffolk Middleton
Lydia Flegg wife m 42 b Suffolk Gt Cornard
Jane E Taylor Visitor s 15 Dressmaker’s apprentice b Essex Mistley (this is Lydia’s sister Eliza’s daughter)11

1890 directory Bridge Road Downham Market
Thomas FLEGG age 41 milling engineer
Lydia FLEGG wife 42 born Gt Cornard