Nicholls, Norton, 1742-1811

Norton Nicholls was born in Lisbon on February 24, 1742, the only surviving child of Jane Floyer Nicholls and Norton Nicholls. The family returned to London by 1745, but the elder Nicholls became bankrupt and abandoned his family, leaving only a small annuity for his wife. With the assistance of Charles Floyer, an East India merchant, Nicholls was educated at Enfield School, Eton, and Trinity Hall, Cambridge, receiving his LL.B in 1766. The death of Charles Floyer in that year severely reduced his income, and in the following year Nicholls was presented to the livings of Lound and Bradwell in Suffolk, which he retained until his death.

While at Cambridge, Nicholls was befriended by Thomas Gray, who advised him in his studies and encouraged him to pursue a career in the church. In 1770 he and Gray traveled through the Midlands together, and Nicholls kept a journal of that excursion. Gray encouraged him to make the Grand Tour, and in June 1771 Nicholls set out for what was intended to be a year in France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Nicholls remained abroad for two years, returning home in financial difficulties that were not resolved for many years. While traveling, he made several lifelong friendships, particularly with Count Charles Firmian, the Austrian minister at Milan; Charles de Bonstetten; James Ogilvy, earl of Findlater; and John Minifie.

He returned to Suffolk in the late spring of 1773 and settled with his mother at Blundeston, as there was no rectory in either of his parishes. He farmed his land, laid out ornamental gardens, pursued his interests in music and literature, and entertained often. While he never revisited the Continent, he made an extended visit to Scotland in 1779-80, possibly in the hopes of some employment with Lord Findlater. In 1786 he traveled to Ireland in the company of Lord Fitzwilliam, but again returned to Suffolk. Nicholls visited London for about two months in every year, attending operas, plays, and literary gatherings.

Jane Floyer Nicholls died in 1800. Nicholls's last years were spent quietly at Blundeston, where he attended to family matters, received a few friends, and corresponded with many more. Norton Nicholls died "from the sudden bursting of a blood-vessel" on November 22, 1809.

From the guide to the Norton Nicholls papers, 1750-1811, (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library)