Born in Golden Square, London the eldest son of Edward Rye, a solicitor of Norfolk descent. Educated at King’s College, London and, although not wanting to qualify for the law, joined his father’s office as a clerk. His obituary in EMM, 21, 1885, 238-240, mentions that it was no secret that he wanted to join the staff of the Zoological Department at the British Museum but no vacancy materialised. Later he became managing clerk to a barrister. His favourite sport was rowing which he continued until past the age of 50 winning many prizes.

A reverend who lived in south Wiltshire and whose captures of beetles are mentioned by Stephens (1828). Published six notes on insects in the Ent. Mag. between 1834 and 1846 some of which dealt with beetles. The last described Haltica dispar as a new species. (Zool., 4, 1846, p. 1517). There is correspondence in the RESL with A.H.Haliday dated 1830-1838 (Pedersen (2002) p.