Prescott Gardner Hewett facts for kids

Sir Prescott Gardner Hewett (born July 3, 1812 – died June 19, 1891) was a very important British surgeon. He was also known as the 1st Baronet. He came from a well-known family in Yorkshire, England.

His Life and Career

When he was young, Prescott Hewett lived in Paris for some years. He first wanted to be an artist. But he later decided to study surgery instead. He joined St George's Hospital in London. His half-brother, Cornwallis Hewett, was already a doctor there.

Prescott Hewett became a teacher of anatomy at the hospital. He also managed the hospital's museum. He was a student and close friend of Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, 1st Baronet, another famous surgeon. Prescott Hewett helped Sir Benjamin with much of his work.

Over time, he became a lecturer in anatomy. He then became an assistant-surgeon and later a full surgeon at the hospital. In 1873, he was chosen to be the President of the Clinical Society of London. In 1876, he became the president of the College of Surgeons.

In 1877, he was made a special surgeon to Queen Victoria. This was a very high honor. In 1884, he became her chief surgeon. In 1883, he was given the title of a baronet. This means he received a special hereditary title from the Queen. In June 1874, he was also elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of top scientists.

Prescott Hewett was known as a great lecturer. He did not write many books himself. However, his ideas on head surgery were included in a major medical book called Holmes's System of Surgery. As a surgeon, he was very careful. He would only perform a difficult operation if he was sure it was the best choice. He was a skilled operator and a trusted advisor to his patients.

Sir Prescott Hewett passed away in 1891. He was buried in Brompton Cemetery in London.

His Family

On September 13, 1849, Prescott Hewett married Sarah Cowell. She was the oldest daughter of Rev. Joseph Cowell. They had one son, who sadly died a few weeks after his father. They also had two daughters.

Prescott Hewett had three older half-brothers. These included Dr. Cornwallis Hewett and Rev. John Short Hewett. Through his brothers, he was an uncle to famous people like Vice-Admiral Sir William Hewett and Rev. John Hewett. He was also a great-uncle to Sir John Hewett and Rear Admiral George Hayley Hewett.