(1693 - 1766), traveller and eccentric, of Stretton Magna, Leics.; col. in the Leics. volunteers 1745; d. Florence.
1739 - 40 see John, Marquess of Granby
1752 - 66 a series of twelve tours from Naples
Hewett first went to Italy as tutor to John, Marquess of Granby, and he subsequently spent much time there, known as 'Cavallo Bianco, from his always appearing mounted on a pale horse, like Death in the Revelation'.1 Smollett thought him 'one of the most original characters upon earth' and the only Englishman he had ever known who 'had resolution enough to live in his own way, in the midst of foreigners; for, neither in dress, diet, customs, or conversation, did he deviate one tittle from the manner in which he had been brought up'. He had been in Venice and Naples ('William Hewet' was listed at Capua on 14 December 1752 and 5 March 17542), whence he had made twelve identical circular tours - Marseilles, Antibes, Genoa, Florence, Rome. He returned to Italy in 1766 and died in Vannini's house in Florence on 27 May.
1. See Smollett, Humphry Clinker, ed. L.M. Knapp, 182 - 3, 365 - 6, and Travels through France and Italy, ed. F. Felsenstein, 450 n47. 2. ASN cra 1257.