Clara Reeve is the author of The Old English Baron: a Gothic Story.

Reeve introduced the novel as the literary offspring of the Castle of Otranto but believed she had improved upon it by reducing the violent and supernatural effects. Walpole was less than pleased, and declared the effort insipid. The theme was very much the same, Let this awful spectacle be a lesson to all present, that though wickedness may triumph for a season, a day of retribution will come!...Behold the day of retribution! Of triumph to the Innocent, of shame and confusion to the wicked.

The Old English Baron was also influenced by Leland's Longsword, Earl of Salisbury, and Richardson's Pamela and Clarissa. It was dedicated to Mrs. Brigden, Richardson’s daughter, who revised it under its first title, The Champion of Virtue.