George Pickering was born in Simonburn, Northumberland in January 1758. He was the eldest son of George Pickering, described as "A Gentleman", who was employed as Land Steward to Sir Lancelot Allgood, of Nunwick, and later Sir William Middleton.of Belsay Castle, Northumberland, in whose employ he died.
His most famous work is probably Donocht Head. George received his basic education from Mr Joseph Atkinson, a local schoolmaster, continuing c1770 (or 1771) to learn languages, under Reverend Joseph Harrison of Haydon Bridge Grammar School. He was a first class scholar, eager and willing to learn.
In December 1776 George Pickering became a clerk in Mr Davidson"s Solicitors office, managing the stamp-office for Northumberland, Newcastle, and Berwick, a position of considerable trust.
lieutenant was here that he met Thomas Bedingfeld and discovered that they both held a great interest in classic, elegant literature. Sometime after the death of Thomas Bedingfeld in November 1789, it appears that Mr Pickering went abroad.
lieutenant was said by William Brockie about George Pickering that "He was of an unsteady, erratic temperament".
