Today’s birthdays

Prof Antony Hewish, joint winner, Nobel Prize for physics, 1974, is 94; Prof Michael Hamlin, Principal and Vice-chancellor, University of Dundee, 1987-94, 88;

Mr Ian Redpath, former Australia cricketer, 77; Ms Susan Crawford, artist and equestrian portrait painter, 77; Lady Rachel Billington, writer, 76; Sir Gordon Langley, Chairman, Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, 2010-16; former High Court Judge, 75; Sir Denis Desmond, who retires today as Lord-lieutenant for Co Londonderry, 75; Sir David Varney, Chairman, HM Revenue and Customs, 2004-2006, 72; Mr Jeremy Paxman, journalist, author and broadcaster, 68; Miss Judith Weir, composer; Master of the Queen’s Music, 64; Lord Justice Flaux 63; Mr John Parrott, former snooker player; World Champion 1991, now commentator, 54; Mr Jason Queally, track cyclist; Olympic gold and silver medallist, Sydney 2000, 48; and Mr Tim Baillie, former canoeist; Olympic gold medallist, canoe double (C2), London 2012, 39.

Today is the anniversary of the assassination of Spencer Perceval, First Lord of the Treasury, by John Bellingham in 1812.