| Richard Avent | |
| Birth Date: | 13 July 1948 |
| Birth Place: | Cookham, Berkshire |
| Death Date: | 2 August 2006 |
| Death Place: | Gozo, Malta |
| Nationality: | British |
| Alma Mater: | University College, Cardiff |
| Workplaces: | Cadw |
| Notable Works: | Castles of the Princes of Gwynedd (1983) |
| Spouse: | Dr Sian Rees |
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.
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]