Hi James
I understand you still wanting to verify the story of Nicholas and thats OK by me. I dont know if you live in England, but the history of Lancashire at the time of Nicholas and John is very complicated. There was a lot of religious upheavel at that time, and also alot of movement to find work. Clitheroe is not far to walk in those days, as I mentioned the towns are all in the same area. The administrative town was Clitheroe so it doesnt mean they were born where they were Christened. I looked for Nicholas's death and as you mentioned cant find him. He could have died in a plague whereby there was no one to register him, the details may have been lost etc, it is nearly 400 years. Also there was the start of the immigration abroad to America at the end of the 1600's. So he may have emigrated and died abroad.
I dont know if I have found John for you. I found a John Heyworth b 28/04/1695 who married a Mary Walker in Clitheroe on 2/2/1722. It states that John was born in Colne Parish. If you look on a map its only 7 miles from Colne to Clitheroe and in those days not very far to walk. Also the women gave birth to their children at relatives homes so they could have been miles from where they lived just to get the child delivered. Its great looking at the history of the area. I come from Yorkshire so know what its like to be a Northerner. lol
Anyway, hope you find your Nicholas.
Take care regards Sandymc