Stockbridge Scouts History

Scouts started up in Stockbridge back in 1908 on the back of the release of Scouting for Boys by our founder, Lieutenant General Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB, KStJ, DL.

Baden-Powell had intended Scouting for Boys to become a guide for existing youth organisations, such as the Boys’ Brigade and YMCA. However boys across the country were inspired to form their own Scout Groups eventually organising themselves into one of the world’s largest youth movements.

George Oliver and his friends were among those excited by the book. They asked George’s big brother Jim to be their Scoutmaster and The Stockbridge Scouts were formed. Their first meeting place was the Dean Street United Free Church Hall, at number 31.

Scouts in Stockbridge have existed in many different forms and been based in various locations. We have, for example, been a part of three different Scout Districts and seen mergers with other Scout Groups. Throughout the years, however, we have always been a vibrant and busy Scout Group with an exciting programme and high roll.

In 1983, the 64th Leaders produced a book to mark the 75th anniversry of the Group. This book includes the full history of the Group from the perspective of past Leaders and Scouts.

Dean Village, early 1900s

A black and white photograph of the Water of Leith curving away from a bridge flanked by buildings, including a factory, and in the distance a church.
A drawing of Robert Baden-Powell, a white man with a salt and pepper beard wearing Scout uniform and a campaign hat, with a group of Scouts wearing a variety of different coloured neckerchiefs.

Baden-Powell

World News 1908

  • The first Model T was introduced by Henry Ford.
  • Construction of the Titanic begins in Belfast, Ireland.
  • SOS becomes the standard radio distress symbol.
  • Mother’s Day is celebrated for the first time.
  • In New York’s Times Square, the ball drops for the first time to signal the start of New Year’s Day.
  • An earthquake and tsunami combined to kill more than 70,000 people in southern Italy and Sicily.
  • Countries in the Middle East begin the first petroleum production.
  • Japanese immigration to the U.S. is forbidden.
  • A Frenchman, Henri Farman, pilots the first passenger flight.
  • The IV Olympic Games are held in London and women compete for the first time. Among the 24 sports: tug of war, rugby and polo.