Modern English biography, volume 1 (of 4), A-H by Frederic Boase

1862. _Nyren’s Cricketer’s Tutor_ (1833) 93–96.

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.