Born at Lichfield, he studied music in youth, and was for some time organist of St. Mary's Church there.
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.
He enjoyed the friendship of Bulwer Lytton, Mary Howitt, Anna Maria Hall, Allan Cunningham, Leigh Hunt, and others.
[1] 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.
[1] Hewitt contributed to many periodicals as a young man.