James Hewitt, 1st Viscount Lifford

For the contemporary of Diana, Princess of Wales, see Major James Hewitt.

For the early American musician and music publisher, see James Hewitt (musician).

Lord Lifford.

James Hewitt, 1st Viscount Lifford (28 April 1712 – 28 April 1789) was an Irish lawyer and judge. He served as Lord Chancellor of Ireland from 1767 to 1789.

Background

Hewitt was the son of a Coventry draper, William Hewitt (1683–1747), born in Rockcliffe, Cumberland, the son of James Hewitt and Mary Urwin. His brother, William Hewitt (1719–1781), was governor of the West Indies.

Legal career

Hewitt first worked as an attorney's clerk. By 1742, he had become a barrister. Rising quickly through the legal profession, his career climaxed when he was made Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 1767, a post he held until his death in 1789. He was raised to the Peerage of Ireland as Baron Lifford, of Lifford in the County of Donegal, in 1768, and was further honoured when he was made Viscount Lifford in 1781, also in the Irish peerage.

Family

Lord Lifford married firstly Mary Rhys Williams in c. 1749, by whom he had four sons. She died in 1765. His second wife was Ambrosia Bayley whom he married in 1766. He was succeeded by his son, James Hewitt, 2nd Viscount Lifford (1750–1830).

References

Political offices
Preceded by The Lord Bowes	Lord Chancellor of Ireland 1767–1789	Succeeded by In commission Title next held by The Lord Fitzgibbon