He was renowned for his mastery of the Greek language and wrote several theological treatises, including a Manual of the Christian Faith.
In his nuncupative will, Walter mentions his wife Ales or Alice, and his father-in-law, Thomas Rolte.
Francis Dillingham, who rates an entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, although this does not recognise his parentage or his maternal connection with the Roltes, was baptised at Dean, Bedfordshire, as the son of Walter, on 15 August 1568.
After completing his education at Christ's College, Cambridge, Francis was put forward by his uncle, John Rolte, as Rector of Wilden, Bedfordshire, in 1601.
Francis was a prolific writer on religious themes and a member of the committee of divines appointed by James I to produce the 1611 translation of the Bible.