Robert Augustus Bayford, K.C., who was born at Albury, in Surrey, on March 13, 1838, died on August 24, surviving his wife only two months. He was educated at Kensington Grammar School, and was in the Cambridge Eleven in 1857 and two following years, being captain in 1859. Scores and Biographies (v-40) says of him : "Hits freely and well, especially to leg, and has made some capital innings in good style.... His bowling is slow round-armed, with an easy delivery, while in the field he is often wicket-keeper." Among his best scores for the University were 53 v. M.C.C. and Ground in 1858 and 60 against the same side a year later, the former innings being played at Cambridge and the latter at Lord's. In his three matches with Oxford he did little, making only 32 runs in six innings, but in the year in which he was captain he had the satisfaction of leading his side to success by 28 runs. Among several good scores obtained by him in matches of note may be mentioned : 69 for Quidnuncs v. the University in 1859, and 70 not out for S. Taylor's XI v. A. Baillie's XI and 64 for M.C.C. and Ground v. Hampshire, both at Lord's in 1861. He assisted Surrey in 1860 and 1861 and Middlesex from 1861 to 1864. He had been a member of the M.C.C. since 1858, and was the oldest surviving original member of the Middlesex County C.C.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack