James Curtis (journalist)

Lore & Background

James Curtis was a regular presence at the Old Bailey, where he took notes of court proceedings using a shorthand system he invented himself. He did this apparently for his own interest rather than as a regularly commissioned journalist. He was known for his eccentric behaviour, fondness for long walks, and insomnia.

Curtis befriended William Corder after taking an interest in the Red Barn case, and sat by him during his trial. He became so connected with the case that a newspaper artist, asked to produce a picture of the accused man, drew Curtis instead. Curtis carried out a thorough survey of the case and published what is regarded as the best contemporary account of the trial.

Reader's Guide

James Curtis occupies a minor but distinctive place in the history of British journalism and true-crime reporting. His self-appointed role as a note-taker at the Old Bailey, using his own shorthand, reflects a period when court reporting was informal and often driven by personal interest rather than institutional assignment. His deep involvement in the Red Barn Murder case—befriending the accused, sitting beside him at trial, and publishing the definitive contemporary account—blurred the line between observer and participant. The anecdote of a newspaper artist mistakenly drawing Curtis instead of William Corder underscores how thoroughly he became identified with the case. His publications, including a shorthand manual and the trial account co-authored with Corder, remain primary sources for the study of this famous murder. Curtis exemplifies the eccentric amateur journalist whose personal obsession produced lasting historical records.

Did You Know?

• Curtis invented his own shorthand system for taking notes at court.
• He was a habitué of the Old Bailey, taking notes for his own interest rather than as a regularly commissioned journalist.
• A newspaper artist, asked to draw William Corder, instead drew Curtis because of his close association with the case.
• Curtis published what is regarded as the best contemporary account of the Red Barn Murder trial.