Henry Nicholl was the eldest son of Rev. Stephen Henry Fox Nicholl, the vicar of Llandough to the west of Cardiff. His grandfather was John Nicholl, MP, of Merthyr Mawr House who had been a keen supporter and promoter of cricket in the mid-Victorian era.
Given his strong sporting pedigree, it was no surprise that Henry showed promise as a cricketer at St. Edward’s, Oxford before reading Theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge where he also represented the College at Cricket. He duly followed his father into the clergy and served as Curate of Leigh-on-Sea in Essex from 1890 before succeeding his father as Rector of Llandough in 1890.
In 1908 Henry as well as his brother Charles and cousin John were chosen to play for the Gentlemen of Glamorgan against the Usk Valley club at Christ College, Brecon on 18 and 19 August. Batting at number four, Henry scored 0 and 2 as the Usk Valley team recorded a nine-wicket victory.
In 1917 Henry was appointed as Rector of St. Martin’s in the parish of Roath in Cardiff before serving as Rector of Margam from 1923 until his retirement in 1938.
NICHOLL, Henry Stephen
Born – Llandough, 13 April 1869.
Died – Narberth, 11 April 1954.