Brownsea Island is the largest of eight islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island is most notable as the home of the first camp of the Boy Scout movement in 1907. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2002 the island received 105,938 visitors. The island's name comes from Anglo-Saxon Brūnoces īeg = "Brūnoc's island". Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 479 pixelsFull resolution (2951 × 1767 pixel, file size: 1. ... Poole Harbour is a harbour in Dorset, southern England, with the towns of Poole and Wareham on its shores. ... Dorset (pronounced DOR-sit or [dÉ”.sÉ™t], and sometimes in the past called Dorsetshire) is a county in the south-west of England, on the English Channel coast. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total... The standard of the National Trust The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as The National Trust, is a British preservation organization. ... Corfe Castle The Isle of Purbeck, not a true island but a peninsula, is in the county of Dorset, England. ... Stone on Brownsea Island commemorating the first scout camp The Brownsea Island Scout Camp was the worlds first Scout camp, and is regarded as the formal birth of the worldwide Scout movement. ... Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, so that they may play constructive roles in society. ... Year 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Old English (also called Anglo-Saxon[1], Old English: ) is an early form of the English language that was spoken in parts of what is now England and southern Scotland between the mid-fifth century and the mid-twelfth century. ...

George IV (George Augustus Frederick) (12 August 1762 – 26 June 1830) was king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Hanover from 29 January 1820 until his death. ...

Geography

Map sources for Brownsea Island at grid reference SZ020880

Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole in Dorset, England. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can only be reached by one of the public operated ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island can be seen from almost all of the mainland and from such places as Sandbanks. The island is 1.5 miles long and 0.75 miles wide. The island is 1.5 miles long and 0.75 miles wide. The island consists of 500 acres of pinewood, heathland and salt-marsh.^[1] Image File history File links Dot4gb. ... Image File history File links Gb4dot. ... The British national grid reference system is a system of geographic grid references commonly used in Great Britain, different from using latitude or longitude. ... Poole Harbour is a harbour in Dorset, southern England, with the towns of Poole and Wareham on its shores. ... Poole is a coastal town, port and tourist destination, situated on the shores of the English Channel, in the ceremonial county of Dorset in southern England. ... Dorset (pronounced DOR-sit or [dÉ”.sÉ™t], and sometimes in the past called Dorsetshire) is a county in the south-west of England, on the English Channel coast. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total... Sandbanks Ferry Sandbanks is a small spit jutting out over the mouth of Poole Harbour near Bournemouth in the south of England. ...

The entire island is owned by the National Trust, including most of the buildings on the island (which are situated near the small dock/wharf). However several buildings and parts of the island are leased or managed by third parties. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access. A small portion to the south-east of the island, along with the castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday home for staff, and is not open to the public. It has been suggested that Reserve design be merged into this article or section. ... The Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is a wildlife trust covering the county of Dorset, England. ... Habitat (which is Latin for it inhabits) is the place where a particular species live and grow. ... For other meanings of bird, see bird (disambiguation). ... One of John Lewis flagship branches in Glasgows Buchanan Galleries mall The John Lewis Partnership is a major United Kingdom retailer, operating department stores and, through its Waitrose subsidiary, upmarket supermarkets. ...

Ecology

Woods on Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island has built up on a bare sand and mud bank deposited in the shallow harbour. Ecological succession has taken place on the island to create topsoil able to support ecosystems. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Patterns in the sand Sand is a granular material made up of fine rock particles. ... Secondary succession: trees are colonizing uncultivated fields and meadows. ...

The nature reserve on the island is leased from the National Trust by Dorset Wildlife Trust and includes a brackish lagoon and area of woodland. Other ecosystems on the island include saltmarsh, reedbed, two freshwater lakes, alder carr, coniferous woodland, deciduous woodland and arboretum. In the past invasive species such as rhododendrons, also non-native, were introduced to the island but the trusts have cleared many areas. The entire island is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is a wildlife trust covering the county of Dorset, England. ... This mid bay barrier in Narrabeen, a suburb of Sydney (Australia), has blocked what used to be a bay to form a lagoon. ... A coral reef near the Hawaiian islands is an example of a complex marine ecosystem. ... An Atlantic coastal salt marsh in Connecticut. ... A reedbed in summer Reedbeds are basically ’temporary’ habitats. ... A man-made lake in Keukenhof, Netherlands A lake (from Latin lacus) is a body of water or other liquid of considerable size contained on a body of land. ... An arboretum is a botanical garden primarily devoted to trees and other woody plants, forming a living collection of trees intended at least partly for scientific study. ... Lantana invasion of abandoned citrus plantation; Moshav Sdey Hemed, Israel The term invasive species refers to a subset of introduced species or non-indigenous species that are rapidly expanding outside of their native range. ... Subgenera Azaleastrum Candidastrum Hymenanthes Mumeazalea Pentanthera Rhododendron Therorhodion Tsutsusi Source: RBG, Edinburgh Rhododendron (from the Greek: rhodos, rose; dendron, tree) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. ... A Site of Special Scientific Interest or SSSI is a conservation designation denoting a protected area in the United Kingdom. ...

Wildlife

A Brownsea Island peacock displays to a visitor

The island is one of the few places in southern England where indigenous red squirrels survive, largely because non-native grey squirrels have never been introduced to the island. Brownsea also has a small ornamental population of peacocks. The island has a heronry, in which both Grey Heron and Little Egret nest. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1534x1176, 298 KB)A peacock displays to a visitor (my wife) on Brownsea Island. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1534x1176, 298 KB)A peacock displays to a visitor (my wife) on Brownsea Island. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total... Binomial name Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 For the North American Red Squirrel, see American Red Squirrel. ... Binomial name Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin, 1788 The Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a tree squirrel that is native to the eastern to midwestern United States and the eastern provinces of Canada. ... Speciues Pavo cristatus Pavo muticus The term peafowl can refer to the two species of bird in the genus Pavo of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. ... A Heronry is a breeding ground for herons, also called as a heron rookery. ... Binomial name Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758 The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae. ... Binomial name Egretta garzetta (Linnaeus, 1766) The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a small white heron. ...

There is a large population of non-native sika deer on the island. In the past the numbers have been higher than the island can sustain and have overgrazed. To try and limit damage to trees and other vegetation by deer, areas of the island have been fenced off to provide areas of undamaged woodland to allow other species such as red squirrels to thrive. Binomial name Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838 Subspecies The Sika Deer Cervus nippon is a typical member of the family Cervidae. ...

The lagoon is noted for the large population of Common Tern and Sandwich Tern in summer, and a very large flock of Avocets in winter, when over 50% of British birds (over 1500) can be present. This mid bay barrier in Narrabeen, a suburb of Sydney (Australia), has blocked what used to be a bay to form a lagoon. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) is a seabird of the tern family Sternidae. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Binomial name Recurvirostra avosetta (Linnaeus, 1758) The Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) is a large wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. ...

History

Early history

Brownsea Castle

Brownsea Island's story is first recorded in the 7th century, when a hermit living on the island lit beacons to guide boats into the harbour. However a settled community is known to have existed before this time, as there is evidence of inhabitants living on the island around 500BC.^[1] In the 9th century, monks from Cerne Abbey near Dorchester built a small chapel on the island, which was later destroyed by the Viking invasions of King Canute. In 1015 the King landed on the island before attempting invasions at nearby Wareham and Hamworthy (Poole). Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Onuphrius lived as a hermit in the desert of Upper Egypt in the late 4th century A hermit (from the Greek erēmos, signifying desert, uninhabited, hence desert-dweller) is a person who lives to some greater or lesser degree in seclusion and/or isolation from society. ... Cerne Abbey was a Benedictine monastery founded in 987 AD in the town now called Cerne Abbas. ... The main road through Dorchester Dorchester is a market town in south west Dorset, England, situated on the River Frome and A35 road 20 miles west of Poole and five miles north of Weymouth. ... A chapel is a private church, usually small and often attached to a larger institution such as a college, a hospital, a palace, or a prison. ... The term Viking commonly denotes the ship-borne warriors, pirates and traders of Norsemen (literally, men from the north) who originated in Scandinavia and raided the coasts of Britain, Ireland and mainland Europe as far east as the Volga River in Russia from the late 8th–11th century. ... Canute (or Cnut) I, or Canute the Great (Danish Knud den Store) (994/995 - November 12, 1035) was king of England, Denmark and Norway and governor or overlord of Schleswig and Pomerania. ... Wareham is a historic market town in the Purbeck district of Dorset, England. ... Map sources for Hamworthy at grid reference SY992912 Hamworthy is a parish and inner suburb of Poole in Dorset, England. ... Poole is a coastal town, port and tourist destination, situated on the shores of the English Channel, in the ceremonial county of Dorset in southern England. ...

Tudor and Civil war

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries control of Brownsea passed to the crown. Henry VIII recognised the strategic importance of the island, guarding the entrance to the expanding port of Poole.^[1] The island was then fortified by means of blockhouses, and a castle. During the seventeenth century and eighteenth centuries Brownsea was owned by a succession of MPs. These included Sir Robert Clayton, a Lord Mayor of London and wealthy merchant. Clayton used his wealth to support the Protestants and parliament against Charles II in the English Civil War. After his death the island was sold to William Benson, the Kings architect. He decided to convert the castle into a residence. Benson was also an amateur botanist and was responsible for introducing many varieties of trees to the island.^[1] dissolution see Dissolution. ... Henry VIII (28 June 1491 - 28 January 1547) was King of England and Lord of Ireland, later King of Ireland, from 22 April 1509 until his death. ... Pierrefonds Castle, France. ... Sir Robert Clayton (1629–1707), British merchant banker, politician and Lord Mayor of London. ... Current Lord Mayor of London John Stuttard during the parade on November 11th, 2006 Michael Berry Savory, Previous Lord Mayor (2004–2005) The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of London is the Mayor of the City of London and head of the Corporation of London. ... The name Charles II is used to refer to numerous persons in history: Kings Charles the Fat (also known as Charles II of France and Charles III of the Holy Roman Empire) Charles II of England Charles II of Naples Charles II of Navarre Charles II of Romania Charles II... The English Civil War consisted of a series of armed conflicts and political machinations that took place between Parliamentarians (known as Roundheads) and Royalists (known as Cavaliers) between 1642 and 1651. ... William Benson (1682 — 2 February 1754) was a talented amateur architect and an ambitious and self-serving Whig place-holder in the government of George I. In 1718, Benson arranged to displace the aged Sir Christopher Wren as Surveyor General of the Royal Works, a project in which he had... Botany is the scientific study of plant life. ...

17th and 18th centuries

The mock Tudor entrance added in the mid 1850s by William Waugh

In 1765 Sir Humphrey Sturt, a local landowner and MP inherited the island, which in turn passed to his sons. Sturt expanded the castle and residence. Records suggest that he spent £50,000 on the islands gardens.^[1] In 1852 Brownsea was again up for sale and was sold for only £13,000. It was purchased by William Waugh, a former Colonel in the British Army. During the ownership of William Waugh an attempt was made to exploit white clay on the island. Buildings were set up at the west end, a pier built and a short tramway constructed.^[1] It was hoped that the clay would be of the same quality as the nearby Furzebrook clay, but it turned out to be suitable only for sanitary ware. The company employed over 200 people. However by 1880 the venture closed due to a lack of demand and the poor quality of the clay. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1536 × 2048 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1536 × 2048 pixel, file size: 1. ... Tudor usually relates to the Tudor period in English history, which refers to the period of time between 1485 and 1558/1603 when the Tudor dynasty held the English throne. ... Humphrey Sturt ( 1725 – 1786) was a British architect. ... This article or section needs copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone and/or spelling. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... The Gay Head cliffs in Marthas Vineyard are made almost entirely of clay. ...

Traces of these activities remain today in the form of archaeological remains (mainly building foundations and pottery fragments) as well as in the ruined worker's village of Maryland, nearly destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. Waugh was also responsible for expanding the number of buildings on the island - creating the village of Maryland, as well as adding a new gatehouse and tower in the Tudor style (right). Waugh also paid for the construction of a new family pier, with castellated watch towers.^[1] Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... Tudor usually relates to the Tudor period in English history, which refers to the period of time between 1485 and 1558/1603 when the Tudor dynasty held the English throne. ...

St Marys Church

Another large expenditure by Waugh was the construction of St.Mary's church in Gothic style. Inside the church there is a monument to Waugh as well as the tomb of the late owner Bonham-Christie. Part of the church is dedicated to the Scouting movement, with a separate monument to Robert Baden-Powell and his wife. The flags of the Scout movement line either side of the main Altar. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2048 × 1536 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2048 × 1536 pixel, file size: 1. ... Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, so that they may play constructive roles in society. ... Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB (February 22, 1857 - January 8, 1941) was a soldier, writer and founder of the world scouting movement. ...

After falling into debt, the island was acquired by Waughs creditors and it was again sold in 1873 to George Cavendish-Bentinck who added Jersey cows to the island as well as expanding the islands agriculture. He also filled the island with several Italian renaissance sculptures, some of which still decorate Brownsea church and the quay.^[1] After his death the island was sold to Major Kenneth Balfour in 1891. Following the introduction of electric lightning, the castle was partially destroyed by fire. It was later rebuilt and in 1901 Balfour sold the island. A Jersey cow in the western United States. ... The Italian Renaissance began the opening phase of the Renaissance, a period of great cultural change and achievement in Europe that spanned the period from the end of the 14th century to about 1600, marking the transition between Medieval and Early Modern Europe. ... A forest fire Fire is a rapid oxidation process that creates light, heat, smoke, frost, and releases energy in varying intensities. ...

20th century

Brownsea Island Entrance sign

The island was purchased by Charles and Florence van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated, improved and served as host to numerous parties and famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. During the ownership of the van Raaltes, Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend hosted the first ever Scout camp. Charles died in 1908 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 the island was purchased by Mrs Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered most of the islands few hundred residents to leave and much of the island was abandoned and grew into a natural state.^[1] However in 1934 a wild fire caused devastation after burning for a week. During the Second World War large flares were placed on the western end of the island in an attempt to mislead Luftwaffe bombers away from the port of Poole and several bombs did indeed hit the island.^[1] There are many bomb craters on the island that are havens for rare wildlife. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2448 × 3264 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2448 × 3264 pixel, file size: 1. ... Guglielmo Marconi, Marchese, GCVO (25 April 1874-20 July 1937) was an Italian inventor, best known for his development of a radiotelegraph system, which served as the foundation for the establishment of numerous affiliated companies worldwide. ... Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB (February 22, 1857 - January 8, 1941) was a soldier, writer and founder of the world scouting movement. ... Look up Scout in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Scout can refer to: International Harvester Scout, an SUV Reconnaissance Scouting, the world-wide youth organization Scout rank (Boy Scouts of America) Scout (comic), a comic book from Eclipse Comics. ... Stone on Brownsea Island commemorating the first scout camp The Brownsea Island Scout Camp was the worlds first Scout camp, and is regarded as the formal birth of the worldwide Scout movement. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... The Deutsche Luftwaffe or   (German: air force, literally Air Weapon IPA: ) is the commonly used term for the German air force. ... Poole is a coastal town, port and tourist destination, situated on the shores of the English Channel, in the ceremonial county of Dorset in southern England. ...

In April 1961 Mrs Christie died at 98 years old and her grandson sold the island to the National Trust after a local appeal committee helped raise part of the costs. The castle was renovated and leased to the John Lewis partnership. The island was then open to the public at the price of half a crown and was unveiled at a ceremony attended by original members of the first scout camp in 1907.^[1] John Lewis can refer to the following people: John L. Lewis (mayor of New Orleans) (1800–1886), mayor of New Orleans 1854–1856 John F. Lewis (1818–1895), United States Senator from Virginia John Lewis (1848–1972), English football player, administrator and referee John Lewis (department store founder) (died 1928...

The island today

The Islands only postbox

Since 1964 the island has been host to the Brownsea Open Air Theatre, annually performing the works of William Shakespeare. The island has a visitor centre and museum, displaying the islands history. The centre also has a shop, a cafe, a display of pottery and local tools. There are several holiday cottages owned by the national trust spread around the island. The Dorset Wildlife Trust operate on the island from an old villa. The island has a single post box which is emptied every Saturday. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1536 × 2048 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1536 × 2048 pixel, file size: 1. ... Brownsea Open Air Theatre Brownsea Open Air Theatre, Poole, Dorset, perform one of the biggest theatrical projects in the south of England. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... The Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is a wildlife trust covering the county of Dorset, England. ...

Scouting

Main article: Brownsea Island Scout camp

Monument commemorating the first Scout camp

Scouting Portal

From 1 August until 8 August 1907, lieutenant general Baden-Powell held the first experimental Scout camp for 22 boys on the island. The subsequent publishing of Scouting for Boys started the Scout Movement. Stone on Brownsea Island commemorating the first scout camp The Brownsea Island Scout Camp was the worlds first Scout camp, and is regarded as the formal birth of the worldwide Scout movement. ... Download high resolution version (750x924, 94 KB)The stone on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, England, commemorating the first scout camp. ... Download high resolution version (750x924, 94 KB)The stone on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, England, commemorating the first scout camp. ... Stone on Brownsea Island commemorating the first scout camp The Brownsea Island Scout Camp was the worlds first Scout camp, and is regarded as the formal birth of the worldwide Scout movement. ... Image File history File links Scout_logo2. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... For the musician, see Baden Powell de Aquino. ... Stone on Brownsea Island commemorating the first scout camp The Brownsea Island Scout Camp was the worlds first Scout camp, and is regarded as the formal birth of the worldwide Scout movement. ... Scouting for Boys: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship Through Woodcraft is the first book on Scouting. ... Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, so that they may play constructive roles in society. ...

In 2007, 100 years after the first experimental camp, there are a number of events planned on Brownsea Island. During the summer, The UK Scout Association are holding four camps, the Patrol Leaders Camp (a gathering of Scouts from every region of the UK), the New Centenary Camp (UK Scouts of every religion, race and background) and the Replica Camp (A living Museum of the camp 100 years ago). The highlight of the four camps however is the Sunrise Camp.

The Sunrise camp will bring together 310 young people from 155 countries to celebrate the centenary of Scouting. On the 1 August 2007, all the Scouts from around the world (28 million) will renew their Scout Promise at 8am local time as part of the Sunrise Ceremony, with Brownsea Island being a focal point of the celebrations. is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

References

• Brownsea: B-P's Acorn, The World's First Scout Camp, Colin Walker, Write Books, 2007.

• Dorset County Council, Visitor Numbers at Selected Attractions 1998 to 2002.
• National Trust (See External links).
• Pitt-Rivers, Michael, 1970. Dorset. London: Faber & Faber.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Brownsea Island

• Brownsea Island information at the National Trust
• H2G2: Brownsea Island
• Brownsea and its significance — The world's first Scout Camp
• Brownsea Island Scout Campsite
• Celebrations of Scouting Centenary on Brownsea Island
• Map of Brownsea Island

Coordinates: 50°41′25.03″N 1°58′18.21″W / 50.6902861, -1.971725 Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... The Wikimedia Commons (also called Wikicommons) is a repository of free content images, sound and other multimedia files. ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...