2nd Bath BB Web

Where we started
The Boys' Brigade was founded in Glasgow on 4th October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith.

From this one Company formed in Scotland the BB has grown in to a world wide movement having worked with millions of children and young people for well over a century.

First for Boys
You can also read more detail about the BB's history in "First for Boys", a book detailing the history of The Boys' Brigade. The book was prepared for the centenary in 1983. Read First for Boys online.

Sir William Alexander Smith
Jonathan Roberts examines Sir William Alexander Smith's contribution to the founding, character and development of The Boys' Brigade. Jonathan seeks to get behind many of the mistaken images of the work that those outside it have. Read about it here!

The Boys' Brigade and Scouting
Following a suggestion by William Smith that Baden-Powell write a manual for BB boys on scouting, an early version of "Scouting for Boys" was published by The Boys' Brigade Gazette in June 1906. (Note: Pearson's were the printers of the Gazette). Read more about it here!

Key Dates
1854 - William Alexander Smith born (27th October)
1883 - BB Founded in Glasgow (4th October)
1886 - First BB Camp (Tignabruaich)
1908 - Scout Movement Formed (by Baden Powell, developed from the BB)
1909 - William Alexander Smith knighted (July)
1914 - Sir William Alexander Smith died (10th May)
1917 - Boy Reserves started
1926 - Amalgamation of The Boys' Brigade with The Boys' Life Brigade
1933 - Jubilee Celebrations
1976 - World Conference (of The Boys' Brigade) formed
1983 - Centenary Celebrations
1993 - Junior Section 75th Anniversary (previously called 'Life Boys')
2002 - World Conference renamed to Global Fellowship of Christian Youth
2004 - 150th Anniversary of the Founder's birth
2008 - 125th Anniversary of The Boys' Brigade