Agnes Baden-Powell

Born in London in 1858, Agnes Baden-Powell was the sister of Robert Baden-Powell and became one of the central figures in the early history of Girl Guiding. When girls began asking to take part in the new scouting movement, she stepped in to help shape a version designed for them, and in 1910 she became the first president of the Girl Guides Association.

Her work helped give the movement structure in its earliest years, from organizing groups to supporting its growth as more girls joined. Although her brother's name is often more widely recognized, Agnes played an important part in making Guiding practical and visible at the start.

Outside that work, she was known for her wide interests, especially music and natural history. That combination of curiosity, discipline, and public service helped define her life and legacy until her death in 1945.