Today’s birthdays

The Very Rev Stephen Smalley, Dean of Chester, 1987-2001, is 91; Mr Ian Redpath, former Australia cricketer, 81; Ms Susan Crawford, artist and equestrian portrait painter, 81; Lady Rachel Billington, writer, 80; Sir Gordon Langley, Chairman, Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, 2010-16; former High Court Judge, 79; Sir Denis Desmond, Lord-lieutenant for Co Londonderry, 2000-18, 79; Sir David Varney, Chairman, HM Revenue and Customs, 20042006, 76; Mr Jeremy Paxman, journalist, author and broadcaster, 72; Miss Judith Weir, composer; Master of the Queen’s Music, 68; Sir Julian Flaux, Chancellor of the High Court, 67; Mr Justice Edwin Johnson 59; Mr John Parrott, former snooker player; World Champion 1991, now commentator, 58; Mr Jason Queally, track cyclist; Olympic gold and silver medallist, Sydney 2000, 52; the Earl of Effingham 51; and Mr Tim Baillie, former canoeist; Olympic gold medallist, London 2012, 43.

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