The Libertine – John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester – plays an important role in my novel, The King’s Intelligencer, and it was a delicate balance to depict his outrageous antics while introducing the vulnerable side of him that his family knew. He was a perfect guide to steer his cousin Franny Apsley, through the scandalous Restoration Court; I also wanted him to take us through my own family history, for the main characters in my novel guided his destiny. Reading his mother Anne St.John’s desperate letters as he lay dying, and his words as he confronted his mortality, I wanted to share a perspective that wasn’t tainted by society and court, but simply that of a man whose star dazzled and burned out.
Rochester was a prominent figure at the court of King Charles II, known for his rakish lifestyle, cutting wit, and scandalous poetry. A celebrated libertine, his work captures the spirit of the Restoration—a period of exuberant cultural revival following the repressive Puritan era. The theatres, previously closed during Cromwell’s commonwealth, flourished under Charles II, who had a passion for the arts and brought a new wave of creativity and freedom to London’s stages.
Rochester’s poetry reflected the court’s atmosphere, combining biting satire, bawdy humour, and deep introspection. His works often mocked the moral hypocrisy of the age, challenged societal norms, and commented on the excesses of the aristocracy. Though infamous for his explicit verses and debauchery, his talent for capturing the human condition and the contradictions of desire and duty won him acclaim. In the atmospheric film The Libertine, directed by Laurence Dunmore and starring Johnny Depp, the focus is on Rochester’s affair with the most famous actress of his time, Elizabeth Barry, and his contribution to literature and theatre. I took some of this passion and wove it into my novel to depict the licentious Restoration court.
The Earl’s connection to the theatre extended beyond poetry; he was a patron of playwrights and actors, and even wrote for the stage. Although notorious for its obscenity, his satirical play Sodom exemplified the Restoration’s taste for provocative themes.
Rochester’s tumultuous relationship with King Charles II was characterised by both favour and exile. While Charles admired his wit, the Earl’s irreverence often crossed the line, resulting in multiple banishments from court. As his lifestyle took a toll on his health, his mother made desperate attempts to save him from the destructive path he had chosen. She turned to doctors, religious figures, and even sought to reconcile him with the church in a bid to secure his salvation. She also begged her sister-in-law, Lady Johanna St.John, for remedies to combat his painful illnesses. Sadly, her efforts could not prevent his early decline. Rochester died at the age of 33, leaving behind a legacy emblematic of a time when the pursuit of pleasure and artistic expression flourished amidst the intrigue and decadence of the Stuart court.
The King’s Intelligencer is set during the peak of Rochester’s influence at Court, and during his downfall and subsequent decline. Drawing on family papers, letters, and contemporary sources, including maps and plans of the palaces, drawings of costumes for the masques, and lists of household members and their lodgings, I delved deeply into Rochester’s time and was inspired to bring a new perspective to The Libertine.
“One of the reasons this book resonates with readers is its authentic portrayal of the time period. St.John has meticulously crafted each sentence to reflect historical accuracy, no matter how small the detail, and this is why this book is so very successful. The King’s Intelligencer by Elizabeth St.John is an exceptional work of scholarship. With its rich historical context and captivating emotional narrative, this book will keep you hooked until the early hours of the morning. This novel is undeniably successful and strongly recommended for fans of this era.”
Five Stars, Mary Anne Yarde, Yarde Reviews
What a life he led. I was aware of his story historically. But your synopsis above has piqued my curiosity about your book.