Shirley Brooks (1816 - 1874)

RA Collection: People and Organisations

Charles William Shirley Brooks was an English journalist and novelist. Born in London, he began his career in a solicitor’s office. Shortly afterwards he took to writing, and contributed to various periodicals. In 1851 he joined the staff of Punch, to which he contributed “Essence of Parliament,” and on the death of Mark Lemon in 1870 he succeeded him as editor. He published a few novels, including Aspen Court and The Gordian Knot.

He signed his earlier articles as Charles W. Brooks, C. Shirley Brooks, before settling on Shirley Brooks.