Pilkington was born inCambridge, England. Her father died when she was 15 years old and she went to live with her grandfather. The man who had taken over her father's medical practice eventually became her husband in 1786. While he was away working as anaval surgeon, she took work as a governess.
She published over forty novels in the years leading up to 1825, many of them for children. She also wrote for periodicals, notablyThe Lady's Monthly Museum — which she left over poor compensation[5] — andThe Lady's Magazine.
Tales Of The Cottage Or, Stories Moral and Amusing (1798)
The Accusing Spirit (1802)
Marvellous Adventures; or, the Vicissitudes of a Cat (1802)
Memoirs of Celebrated Female Characters, who Have Distinguished Themselves by Their Talents and Virtues in Every Age and Nation, Containing the Most Extensive Collection of Illustrious Examples of Feminine Excellence Ever Published, in which the Virtuous and the Vicious are Painted in Their True Colours, by Mrs. Pilkington (1804)
