James Hewitt, 1st Viscount Lifford

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

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

James Hewitt, 1st Viscount Lifford (April 1712–1789) was Lord Chancellor of Ireland.

Hewitt was born the son of a Coventry draper, William Hewitt (1683–1747) who was born in Rockcliffe, Cumberland, UK and was the son of James Hewitt and Mary Urwin.

James 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.

He 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.

In 1768, he was made Baron Lifford, he was further elevated to Viscount in 1781.

He was succeeded by his son, James Hewitt, 2nd Viscount Lifford (1750-1830).

His brother, William Hewitt (1719–1781), was once governor of the West Indies.