Swaffer, Hannen (1879–1962)

British journalist. A famous Fleet Street character, he championed many causes from socialism to spiritualism, and was the founder of the modern gossip column. His drama criticism expressed forthright opinions. Swaffer's name was commemorated in an annual award for the best in popular journalism.

Swaffer was born in Lindfield, Sussex, England. He started his career in journalism as an apprentice reporter in Folkestone, England, and gained further experience in provincial journalism before joining the Daily Mail in 1902. For the next 17 years he worked on newspapers controlled by Lord Northcliffe, who always referred to him as The Pope, becoming editor of the Weekly Dispatch for a short period. In 1913 Swaffer started the first regular gossip column in the Daily Sketch, and later joined the Daily Graphic where his Mr London page became a leading feature. In 1924 he was appointed editor of The People, but left in 1926 to become dramatic critic of the Daily Express and Sunday Express.