In 1861 and 1871 Alfred's father Joseph was a Ship Smith.  He and Sarah are listed with the 8 children they had at that stage.

 

Elizabeth A. Briggs born Barking c1857
Sarah Jane  b Barking c1859
Alice Emma  b Barking c1861
Esther E.  b Gorleston c1860
Clara   b Gorleston  c1863
Joseph  b Gorleston  c1867
Mary Ann  b Gorleston  c1869
Robert W.  8 months  b Gorleston  c1871

 

Marian