Davenant (or D'Avenant), Charles (1656–1714)

English writer on political economy. As an economist he at first showed some free-trade tendencies, but later adopted the orthodox mercantile theory. He was the eldest son of William Davenant, the poet.

He practised as a lawyer, was commissioner of excise 1683–89, and inspector general of customs 1705–14. He was secretary to the commission which settled the 1707 union with Scotland.