John Hewitt (antiquary)
John Hewitt (1807–1878) was an English antiquarian. Life. Born at Lichfield, he studied music in youth, and was for some time organist of St. Mary's Church there. Subsequently he was appointed to a post in the War Office. It brought him into the Tower of London. He worked under Robert Porrett, was encouraged to take an interest in the national collection of arms and armour there, and produced a pioneering guide. While living in London was well known in literary society. He enjoyed the friendship of Bulwer Lytton, Mary Howitt, Anna Maria Hall, Allan Cunningham, Leigh  Hunt, and others. For many years he resided at Woolwich, but on his retirement from the War Office he returned to Lichfield, where he died on 10 January 1878. Works. Hewitt contributed to many periodicals as a young man. He used the pseudonym Sylvanus Swanquill. His works include: