History
Brownsea has a lot of history: pillaged by Vikings and blitzed in WWII
© Brian Whitlcok
History and mystery of Brownsea Island
'I had no idea I had such a delightful spot in my kingdom,' exclaimed the Prince Regent after a trip to Brownsea in 1818.
For such a little island, it has had a remarkably varied history: military stronghold; industrial site; refuge for wildlife and Edwardian society. It has been pillaged by Viking raiders and blitzed by Nazi bombers.
Occupied since the Iron Age, Brownsea has seen a fascinating succession of owners. The most recent include the van Raaltes, who hosted the first Scout camp in 1907, led by Lord Baden-Powell. Reclusive private owner, Mary Bonham-Christie, then bought the island in 1927 and turned it into a dedicated nature conservation area.
Did you know?
- In the 9th century a hermit lived on the island
- A small salt and fishing community lived here in the medieval era
- Control of Brownsea passed from Cerne Abbey to Henry VIII
- In the 1870s the island was used as a model farm
- Daffodils were grown on the island and sent to Covent Garden
- During the 1920s there was an island community band
People leave and wildlife flourishes
In 1927 Brownsea was sold to Mrs Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. She lived a very reclusive life. Most of the estate workers made a sad return to the mainland and the island gradually reverted back to nature.
The people that shaped Brownsea
- William Benson known as 'Mad' Benson
- Sir Humphrey Sturte
- Colonel William Petrie Waugh and his wife Mary
- Hon George Cavendish-Bentinck
- Major Kenneth Balfour
- Van Raalte family
- Mrs Mary Bonham-Christie
Guides looking at Brownsea Island Scout Stone
© Vikki-Gridley-Haack
Scouting and Guiding
The adventure started in 1907 and continues today. From the first experimental camp Scouting and Guiding has grown. We welcome thousands of young people to the island every year from all over the world. Visit the Outdoor Centre and Trading Post to find out more.
There's plenty to explore in our online collections
© Elizabeth Isherwood
See our collections online
Brownsea Island holds a rich collection of artefacts and some can be explored online. See our collections along with many more items owned by the National Trust across the UK.