Robert Towers was born on 7th August 1842 in Langley, Buckinghamshire, he was the son of William Towers, 34yrs, Law stationer/accountant, and Charlotte, 29yrs, nee Blincoe, he was 1 of at least 7 children. By 1851, when Robert was 8yrs old, the family had moved to New Windsor, Berkshire.
In 1858, when Robert was 16yrs old, he joined the Royal Navy and served with them for a total of 37yrs. Robert proved to be an excellent recruit, described as sober, steady and zealous, when he was assessed at 18yrs. In 1872 he was accepted to study at the Royal Naval College where he qualified as a navigator and pilot, later reports described him as a very good and trustworthy pilot, in 1874 Robert was promoted to Staff Commander.
Robert served in Portsmouth and Plymouth, living as a lodger in the census of 1881 and 1891. On 29th August 1895, aged 53yrs, Robert married Ursula Strachan Ingram, 46yrs, on 29th August 1895 at All Saints, Burbage, Wiltshire. A few months later, in November 1895, Robert was discharged (unfit) from the Royal Navy with the rank of Captain.
Robert and Ursula retired to Worthing, Sussex, in 1901 they were living in Lansdowne Lodge, Heene. At some point they moved to Longships, Boundary Road, where Robert died, aged 64yrs, on 15th February 1907, probate was granted to his widow, effects, £1643 6s 3d. Value 2023 - £252,800.