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. In 1685 he was, along with the master of the revels, empowered to inspect the plays designed for the stage, in order 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. He died in 1714.