My surname interests: NICHOLLS

[LMN]

My great-great grandfather, Henry Nichols (as the surname was spelt at that time) was born in about 1775 probably in the parish of St.Martin-at-Oak, Norwich.  He married Alice Reynolds in that church on 9 November, 1800.  They had 12 children.  I want to research my ancestors prior to Henry and Alice but the records were destroyed or severely water-damaged in the fire at the County Records Office. I have looked at the Bishop's and Archdeacon's transcipts but they too are unreadable.  Does this mean I am completely stuck and can get back no further?  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I would be delighted to hear from you if so.
Many thanks.

Lawrence.  (Lawrence Nicholls).

[teddybear1843]

Are you certain the records were lost/water damaged?  I am under the impression that no records were irreparably damaged in the fire.
Most had been filmed before the fire anyway when it came to Norwich records.

I would write or e-mail the Norfolk Record Office to make certain that your information is correct.

Have you tried wills?      They can be very helpful.

If you get no-where with this, get back to me and I will see what else I can think of. 

Best wishes

Teddybear

[LMN]

Thanks Teddybear, I appreciate your interest.  I have been to the Norfolk Record Office several times in the last couple of years, and to the Forum, and have tried to read the parish records for St Martin-at-Oak, St Gregory and St Michael-at-Plea  which are prefaced with a "water-damaged" warning. I really found them difficult, if not impossible, to read. On my last visit I was pushed for time and perhaps didn't persevere as much as I ought to have done. One of my cousins also tried, a few years ago, but came up against the same problem.  It is so frustrating!  If you have any ideas I would be most grateful.
Regards,  Lawrence.

[teddybear1843]

Have you looked for wills?  They could be another way forward.

Have you asked if any registers have been transcribed in the past?

Failing that, persevere with what there is, you may get used to the bad writing!

Best of luck

Teddybear

[LMN]

Many thanks for your suggestions - I will follow them up.

Regards,  Lawrence.

[David Culley]

Hi Lawrence,
It won't help your enquiry but I'm a relation of yours on the same quest.  I'm descended from Henry's son William who married Sarah Laws (as indeed you may know). I have rummaged SMO registers at the Forum and frankly can find no reference earlier than Henry Nichols Reynolds baptised 16.12.1799 Pockthorpe St James out of wedlock, the marriage being SMO 09.11.1800.  I  wonder if earlier data may be in the St Pauls registers or transcripts as this is where Henry Nichols Reynolds was baptised.  Of course there  is a problem of water damage in the blitz in the case of St Pauls and some records are irretrievably lost. You can check on-line what is available.  I know there is a printed transcription of the surviving water damaged registers.  Meanwhile I would be fascinated to share data with you. If you give me your e address I can send you what I've got. 
David.culley@dsl.pipex.com