Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell is tribute to Richmond’s lasting legacy – Yorkshire Post Letters

From: John S Mitchell, Huntington, York.
Library picture of Lord Robert Baden-Powell on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset during his experimental camp on 1st August, 1907.Library picture of Lord Robert Baden-Powell on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset during his experimental camp on 1st August, 1907.
Library picture of Lord Robert Baden-Powell on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset during his experimental camp on 1st August, 1907.

YOUR Comment Column (The Yorkshire Post, February 16) mentioned a new book by Jane Hatcher about people from Richmond. It may include reference to Robert Baden-Powell but I haven’t had the opportunity to read it.

He was a prominent citizen of Richmond in 1908 to 1910 when he commanded the Northumbrian Division of the Territorial Army. He lived in the barracks in the castle.

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He published his best selling book Scouting for Boys in 1908 and from 1908 to 1911 revised and enlarged this book whilst resident in Richmond.

Major-General Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement. Baden-Powell masterminded the successful defence of Mafeking (1899-1900) during the 2nd South African War. After 1907 he developed the Scout Movement worldwide, and was created a peer in 1929.Major-General Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement. Baden-Powell masterminded the successful defence of Mafeking (1899-1900) during the 2nd South African War. After 1907 he developed the Scout Movement worldwide, and was created a peer in 1929.
Major-General Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement. Baden-Powell masterminded the successful defence of Mafeking (1899-1900) during the 2nd South African War. After 1907 he developed the Scout Movement worldwide, and was created a peer in 1929.

He was charged by the government in or about that period to locate land on which to site an army training base. He suggested that the area around the town and close to Catterick village would be a good place. Catterick Garrison has become the largest garrison in the UK.

He had achieved fame as the hero of the Siege of Mafeking. He was made a knight and became Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell.

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