Robert Howlett was the second of four sons of Reverend Robert Howlett and Harriet Harsant.
Two brothers died in infancy and his younger brother Thomas became a farmer.
He was born in Theberton, Suffolk and the family had moved to Longham, Norfolk by the time he was 9 years old.
His maternal grandfather, Thomas Harsant, a surgeon, constructed telescopes, microscopes, electrical machines, implements and instruments.
Robert built his own microscope when a child.
 Thomas Harsant died in 1852 and left him £1000 plus his "turning lathe and all the apparatus and tools belonging thereto".
 Thus he was able to move to London.
Robert Howlett was the second of four sons of Reverend Robert Howlett and Harriet Harsant. Two brothers died in infancy and his younger brother Thomas became a farmer. He was born in Theberton, Suffolk and the family had moved to Longham, Norfolk by the time he was 9 years old. His maternal grandfather, Thomas Harsant, a surgeon, constructed telescopes, microscopes, electrical machines, implements and instruments. Robert built his own microscope when a child.  Thomas Harsant died in 1852 and left him £1000 plus his "turning lathe and all the apparatus and tools belonging thereto".  Thus he was able to move to London.
Robert Howlett