William Davenant (1606-1668) was a British poet, playwright, and theatre director, known for his contribution to the development of English drama in the 17th century. Born in Oxford, he was the son of a tavern owner and had a close association with several influential writers and intellectuals of his time. Davenant’s literary career began as a poet, and he was recognized for his elegies and occasional poems. He later ventured into dramatic writing and became the leading figure in the revival of English theatre after the closure of theatres during the Puritan rule. Davenant is best known for his works such as “The Siege of Rhodes,” the first English opera, and his adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, which played a crucial role in their survival and popularity. He played a crucial role in the creation of London’s first official patent theatre company, the Duke’s Company, and managed several theatres throughout his life. Despite controversies and frequent financial difficulties, Davenant’s insightful poetry and contribution to the development of English drama remain significant to this day.