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]
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]