Peter Cunningham was born at Pimlico in 1816, the third son of Allan Cunningham. He was educated at Christ's Hospital, London and in 1834 obtained a position in the audit office, from which he retired in 1860. He published many works including 'Handbook of Westminster Abbey' (1842); 'Handbook of London' (1849); 'Story of Nell Gwyn' (1852). He also contributed to various periodicals including the 'Illustrated London News' and "Gentleman's Magazine". Cunningham died in 1869.