The Last of the Barons was first published in January 1843 and marks another example of Bulwer-Lytton’s interest in historical romance novels. The historical aspect of the work centres on Edward IV’s first reign during The War of the Roses and the power struggle between the King and the Earl of Warwick. The novel focuses on the last few years of Warwick’s life, before he is killed at The Battle of Barnet in 1471. He was an important figure in The War of the Roses and is often described as a ‘Kingmaker’ due to his prominent role in the deposing of two kings. Warwick had originally been a supporter of the Lancastrian King Henry VI, but due to a dispute over land and rights he switched alliances and began to collude with Richard the Duke of York against the King. After Richard was killed in battle, Warwick was instrumental in helping the Duke’s son, Edward, attain the crown. However, Warwick’s support for the new king was fairly short-lived and he quickly transferred his allegiance back to Henry and for a very brief period restored the Lancastrian to the throne.
Although historians have been divided over the character of Warwick and his exact role in relation to the two kings, Bulwer-Lytton’s depiction of the Earl is very favourable and in stark contrast to his portrayal of Edward IV. The King is shown to be deceitful and cruel, with a vicious temper and a tendency to avoid fighting, but keen to claim the victories. The author also attempts to highlight Edward’s ostentatious and licentious nature and his self-interested ambitions. Conversely, Warwick is a brave soldier, a generous statesman and a brave and kind man, who engenders affection and admiration from every class and social strata of society. He is highly romanticised as the truest, purest and greatest of public figures, caring not for power or glory, but for the good of the people, only desiring good governance.