Before joining the army, becoming a hero and creating Scouting, Robert Stephenson Baden-Powell was just a good-humoured and friendly young man, who liked acting, games and life in the outdoors more than his studies. Resigned to his mischievous temperament, but recognising his talent on stage, a teacher called him an "admirable madman".
The adventure begins
After trying to get into Oxford, he was accepted at military academy, scoring 5th place among 718 applicants. In 1876, at the age of 19, a dreamer, curious and communicative, Second Lieutenant Baden-Powell set off en route to India... |
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The writer
He felt fulfilled when he wrote of his adventures and his dreams: from his exploits with his brothers to the development of the Scout Method, without forgetting his tales of hunting, his military experiences, his adventures as an improvised secret agent, or his vision of the army. |
The artist
An able exponent of caricature and watercolour painting, B-P illustrated his own articles and books.
The sportsman
B-P played football, and enjoyed swimming, rowing, polo, boar hunting and ... like a good Englishman, cricket! But, above all, his passion was for outdoor activities.
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The actor
A singer and pianist who loved to amuse his companions, the young Baden-Powell dreamed of being an actor. |
Key Dates :
1857 : B-P is born in London on 22 February.
1929 : He is named Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell.
1938 : He leaves England and sets up home in Kenya.
1941 : B-P dies on 8 January in his log cabin "Paxtu", in Nyeri, Kenya.
