DAVENANT, Dr Charles, an eminent civilian and writer, eldest son of the preceding, and educated at Cambridge: he wrote several political tracts, and likewise plays. He was (1685) empowered, with the master of the revels, to inspect the plays designed for the stage, that no immoralities might be presented. His Essays on Trade are in high esteem, and were reprinted in 5 vols 8vo, in 1771. Dr Davenant was inspector-general of exports and imports; and died in 1712.