Walter Rye (31 October 1843 – 24 February 1929) was a British athlete and antiquary, who wrote over 80 works on Norfolk.
Rye was the "father" of cross country running (or paper chasing, as it was then known), being the principal founder in 1868 of the Thames Hare and Hounds, and its president until his death.
[5][6] He regularly visited Norwich throughout his life, and helped save a number of its historic buildings from destruction.
[2][4] Rye married Georgina Eliza Sturges in 1870: he described her as "the prettiest and pluckiest creature I have ever met".
[2] The couple had seven sons and three daughters, including the solicitor and conservative politician Frank Rye.