Robert Thomas Flower, 8th Viscount Ashbrook

Robert Thomas Flower, 8th Viscount Ashbrook (1 April 1836 – 9 March 1919) was an Anglo-Irish peer, Militia officer, and inventor.

Biography Early life Robert Thomas Flower was born on 1 April 1836 at Castle Durrow, Durrow, County Laois, Ireland. His father was Henry Jeffrey Flower, 5th Viscount Ashbrook (1806–1871) and his mother was Frances (1803-1886), daughter of Sir John Robinson, Baronet.

Career He was commissioned into the part-time Royal Queen's County Rifle Militia (later 4th Battalion, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians)) as a Lieutenant on 6 June 1859 and resigned on 15 December 1888 as a Major with the honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

He invented an easy-to-use handloom for the unskilled and disabled, and a latch-hook needle that speeds up the weaving process. From 1869 onwards, he resided at Knocknatrina House in County Laois, Ireland.

He died on 9 March 1919, his wife having predeceased him on 8 November 1911.