The son of Nicholas Lightfoot, Devon, he was educated at Balliol College, Oxford and was curate of Churcheton, Devon (1795) and rector of Pomeroy, Devonshire (1831-47). He corresponded with his schoolmate, Robert Southey.

CORRESPONDENCE OF Nicholas Lightfoot:

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 8 February 1806 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 24 April 1807 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 18 June 1815 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, May 1816 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 29 May 1819 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 13 May 1821 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 16 September 1822 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 8 November 1822 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 23 September 1823 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 1 June 1824 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)

Robert Southey to Nicholas Lightfoot, 12 July 1829 in The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey (London: 1849-1850)