Name: Robert Towers
Burial Number: 0523
Gender: Male
Occupation: Officer Royal Navy
Distinction: R.N. Staff Commander
Born: 07/08/1842
Died: 15/02/1907
Buried: 19/02/1907
Story
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.
Researcher: Maggi Martin
The Grave
Location in Cemetery
Area: NWS Row: 2 Plot: 13
Exact Location (what3words): mute.calls.allow
Ashes or Urn: Unknown
Headstone
Description:
No description of the headstone has been added.
Inscription:
In loving memory of my dear husband Robert Towers Captain Royal Navy who died Feby. 15th 1907 aged 64 years. "Psalm XV" Also of his dearly beloved wife Ursula Stachan Towers who died 20th November 1935
Further Information
Birth
Name: Robert Towers
Gender: Male
Born: 07/08/1842
Town: Unknown
County: Buckinghamshire
Country: England
Marriage
Maiden Name: Not applicable
Marriage Date: 29/08/1895
Spouse First Name: Ursula
Spouse Second Name: Strachan
Spouse Last Name: Ingram
Town of Marriage: Unknown
County of Marriage: Wiltshire
Country of Marriage: England
Information at Death
Date of Death: 15/02/1907
Cause of death: Unknown
Address line 1: Longships
Address line 3: Boundary Road
Town: Worthing
County: Sussex
Country: England
Obituary
No obituary has been entered.
Personal Effects
Money left to others: £1643 6 s 3 d
Current value of effects: £252800
Census Information
1851
Living at 16, Park Street, New Windsor, Berkshire. William Towers, Hd. 40yrs, Law stationer/accountant, wife, Charlotte, 37yrs, 7 children, William 13, Emma 11, Jacob 10, Robert 8, Charles 6, Charlotte 2, and infant 4months, plus 1 house servant.
1881
Lodger at 45, St. George Square, Portsea, Hampshire. Robert Towers, 38yrs, Staff Commander R.N.
1891
Lodger at 36, Catherine Street, Stoke Damerel, Devonport, Devon. Robert Towers, 48yrs, Staff Commander R.N.
1901
Living at Lansdowne Lodge, Heene, Worthing, Sussex. Robert Towers, Hd. 58yrs, Retired Captain R.N., wife, Ursula S. 51yrs.
