15 Facts About Agnes Baden-Powell

Agnes Smyth Baden-Powell was the younger sister of Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, and was most noted for her work in establishing the Girl Guide movement as a female counterpart to her older brother's Scouting Movement.

Agnes Baden-Powell was the Savilian Professor of Geometry at the University of Oxford from 1827 to 1860.

Agnes Baden-Powell was her mother's third daughter, but the elder two had died before Agnes was born, so she was her mother's only surviving daughter.

Agnes Baden-Powell's mother, Henrietta Grace nee Smyth, was a gifted musician and artist; she was the elder daughter of Admiral William Henry Smyth and his wife Annarella.

Agnes Baden-Powell went on to become an accomplished musician, playing the organ, piano and violin.

Agnes Baden-Powell was an honorary companion of the Royal Aeronautical Society from 1938.

Agnes Baden-Powell was for some years president of the Westminster Division of the Red Cross, and worked for the League of Mercy and for Queen Mary's Needlework Guild.

Agnes Baden-Powell's character was useful in counteracting negative opinions of the new Girl Guides.

In 1912, Agnes Baden-Powell brought about the formation of the 1st Lone Company and was the de facto president of The Girl Guide Association.

In early 1916 Agnes's young sister-in-law Olave Baden-Powell was appointed Sussex County Commissioner, and in September 1916 the new County Commissioners voted Olave into the new post of Chief Guide, putting her in charge of Guiding.

Agnes Baden-Powell was offered the honorary post of President which she reluctantly accepted.

In 1917, following pressure, Agnes Baden-Powell resigned from the presidency in favour of Princess Mary, who was a keen supporter of the Girl Guides, and Agnes Baden-Powell became vice-president.

Agnes Baden-Powell continued as vice-president of the Girl Guides Association until her death in 1945.

Agnes Baden-Powell died on 2 June 1945 in North East Surrey, having outlived all her siblings.

Agnes Baden-Powell was buried in the family grave in Kensal Green Cemetery in London, though her name is not listed on the monument - she is still the registered owner of the grave.