Richard Avent (13 July 1948 – 2 August 2006) was a British archaeologist, conservationist and civil servant. He was a leading authority on the history of medieval Welsh castles, particularly those constructed by the native Welsh princes.[1]

Richard Avent
Born13 July 1948
Died2 August 2006
NationalityBritish
SpouseDr Sian Rees
Academic background
Alma materUniversity College, Cardiff
Academic work
InstitutionsCadw
Notable worksCastles of the Princes of Gwynedd (1983)

Biography

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Avent was the Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments and Historic Builds at Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government,[2][3] and briefly led Cadw in 2005.[1] He was also president of the Cambrian Archaeological Association.[4]

He was a pioneer of landscape archaeology in Wales, helping to create the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts.[4] He promoted the study of native Welsh castles, largely overshadowed by the castles constructed by Edward I, and wrote Castles of the Princes of Gwynedd (1983).[1] Avent also oversaw excavations and restoration work at Laugharne Castle.[5]

Avent died in a diving accident in Gozo, Malta, in 2006.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Wakelin, Peter (25 August 2006). "Obituary: Richard Avent". the Guardian. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Richard Avent". The Telegraph. 17 August 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Richard Avent". The Times. 9 August 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Richard Avent". The Independent. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  5. ^ "Tributes paid to castles expert". BBC News. 3 August 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  6. ^ "Man and son drowned during dive". BBC News. 4 August 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2021.