Gilwell Park was bought for The Scout Association in 1919, by Mr. de Bois Maclaren for £10,000 for use as a campsite and training ground. The land was, at an earlier time, owned by King Henry VIII, who built a hunting lodge for his son Edward. A later owner of the land built a more substantial house around the lodge, which eventually became known as the White House.

Gilwell Park is situated on the edge of the picturesque Epping Forest, yet is within easy travelling distance of the sights of London. The Greenwich Meridian (the line of zero longitude) runs through the campsite.

Francis Gidney, the first Camp Chief, conducted the first Wood Badge course in September of 1919. Gilwell is the home of leadership training in the Scout Movement. Leaders all over the world become part of the Gilwell Troop upon completion of the Wood Badge.

The site can accommodate events for up to 10,000. It contains a range of camp sites, indoor accommodations and activities, suitable for all sections of the Scouting Movement. Next to Brownsea Island and Kandersteg International Scout Centre it is one of the jewels of the Scouting movement. Gilwell Park can also be hired for non-Scout activities, such as conferences and wedding receptions.

External links

• Gilwell Park