The White House, Gilwell Park

Image: © Marathon Taken: 27 Sep 2017

In 1442, Richard Osborne built a large dwelling called Osborne Hall, which stood for 300 years. In 1754, William Skrimshire purchased Great Gilwell, Little Gilwell, and half of Osborne's estate, including Osborne Hall. Skrimshire demolished Osborne Hall and built a new residence, which he also called Osborne Hall. That building is now called the White House. The estate was purchased in early 1919 by William de Bois Maclaren for the Boy Scout Association. An official opening was planned for 19th July 1919 but it was delayed until Saturday, 26th July 1919 so that Scouts could participate in the Official Peace Festival commemorating the end of the Great War. In the 1980s extensive remodelling of the White House was carried out. In April 2001, The Scout Association moved its programme staff from London to Gilwell Park, where its training staff were already located. Extensive renovations were done to the White House and other buildings. The White House became the headquarters of The Scout Association on 27th April 2001. The White House today also serves as a hotel and houses the reception area for the Training and Event Centre for the Scout Association. A very full history of Gilwell Park can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilwell_Park

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