Have since found Thomas' Settlement exam dated July 1860 in Bethnal Green which states that he had lived in Foleshill, Warwickshire. Which settles one question!
There is another statement about being born in Shoreditch. Would someone else please have a look to see whether they think he's talking about himself or his father. Bottom right hand page.
http://interactive.ancestry.co.uk/15..._A107578-00119
Thankyou