Walter Weston

Ordained a deacon in 1885, priest in 1886, Weston was appointed curate of St John's, Reading, Berkshire, in 1885. He was already a mountaineer, and in 1886 and 1887 spent periods climbing in the Alps.

After returning to England during the First World War, Weston settled in London and became an active member of the Alpine Club of Great Britain, the Japan Society of London (serving on its council), and the Royal Geographical Society, which in 1917 awarded him its Back Award and a Fellowship for his work in Japan. He was a lecturer for Cambridge University and the Gilchrist Educational Trust and established himself as a writer.

Weston was born 25 December 1861 at 22 Parker Street, Derby, England, the sixth son of John Weston, an elastic manufacturer, and his wife, Emma Britland. He was educated at Derby School between 1876 and 1880, where he held the school record for running the mile distance (viz., four minutes, 47 seconds). He then went up to Clare College, Cambridge, graduating BA in 1883 and MA in 1887. He studied for the Church of England's priesthood at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He played six times for Derby County F.C. in their inaugural season, 1884–85.

On 3 April 1902, prior to the start of Weston's second extended stay in Japan, he married Frances Emily, second daughter of Sir Francis Fox, a prominent civil engineer. Frances accompanied Weston on many of his expeditions in the Japanese Alps.