The Davenport shape is distinctive; its top part resembles an antique school desk while the bottom is like one of the two drawer-pedestals of a pedestal desk turned sideways. The addition of the two legs in front completes the odd effect. This example has queen anne style legs.
This desk owes its name to a merchant mariner, Captain Josiah Davenport (1771–1836) who was the first to commission the design, from Gillows of Lancaster near the end of the 18th century. In a sense then it could also be considered a Campaign Desk.
This desk form was popular during the 19th century. There have been numerous reproductions during the 20th century, and amateur cabinetmakers sometimes consider a Davenport to be an interesting project.