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Baden-Powell House

Heritage attraction
Baden-Powell House
Photo: Helmut Zozmann, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original Geograph photograph · Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Baden-Powell House opened in South Kensington in 1961 as a hostel and memorial to Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout movement. Designed by Ralph Tubbs and funded by Scouts from many countries, it combined beds, meeting space and displays; later sale and hotel conversion changed control, but the building and…

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Baden-Powell House opened in South Kensington in 1961 as a hostel and memorial to Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout movement. Designed by Ralph Tubbs and funded by Scouts from many countries, it combined beds, meeting space and displays; later sale and hotel conversion changed control, but the building and memorial purpose remain readable.

Why it was built

The Scout movement wanted a practical London hostel and meeting place that would also serve as an international memorial to its founder.

People and work

Architect Ralph Tubbs designed the modern building, while Scouts and supporters across the world raised funds and contributed to its opening.

How it changed

The house hosted Scouts and displayed movement history for decades before sale and conversion to a commercial hotel altered its ownership and daily use.

What survives

The purpose-built block, strong street front, entrance spaces and Baden-Powell memorial associations survive, although the former hostel arrangements have changed.

Why it mattered

Baden-Powell House mattered because an international youth movement expressed remembrance through a useful building intended to bring travelling members together.

Sources for this account

Sources checked 16 August 2026.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) w392722404

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Photo credits
  • N Chadwick, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • David Hawgood, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • PAUL FARMER, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Mike Quinn, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Phillip Perry, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Stephen McKay, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Marathon, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Todd Keator, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Peter Trimming, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Robin Sones, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Peter Jordan, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
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