Walter Fowden

Walter Fowden (1878 – 21 May 1949) was a British politician and swimmer.

Born in Hyde, then in Cheshire, Fowden joined the local swimming club. In 1895 he was one of four youths whom the club fined for misbehaviour. They refused to pay the fine, and instead founded the rival Hyde Seal Swimming Club, with Fowden as secretary. The club proved successful, and by 1904 Fowden was competing for it in Paris. The event was regarded as an unofficial world championship, and the Seals won the 500m competition.

Fowden became a hotel owner, and also joined the Independent Labour Party (ILP). He was elected to Hyde Borough Council by 1913, representing Werneth ward. During World War I, he was a conscientious objector, and a founding member of the No Conscription Fellowship. In 1922, he served as Mayor of Hyde. He remained president of the Cheshire County Water Polo, and continued to serve on the local council for some years.