BELFORD, WILLIAM ROWLES. _b._ Easton near Bristol Dec. 1824; made
his début in London at Sadler’s Wells theatre 22 Dec. 1851 as Sir
Charles Cropland in _The poor Gentleman_; played prominent parts
in 32 Shakespearian revivals at same house 1852–63; acted with S.
Phelps in Germany 1859; played at Strand theatre about 1863–69;
created leading role in W.S. Gilbert’s comedy _Randall’s Thumb_ at
Court theatre 25 Jany. 1871; played Henry the 8th in the provinces
1876; last appeared on the stage at Imperial theatre London April
1879 in comic drama of _A rough diamond_; acted at nearly every
west-end theatre in London; sum of £1,100 was raised for him Dec.