Olave Collection

Ladywell Lodge, Lewisham, south east London
Aerial view of Ladywell Lodge, a residential institution for the elderly, near Lewisham, in south east London. The site was formerly St Olaves Union workhouse, designed by Newman & Newman

Bermondsey Military Hospital, London
Bermondsey Military Hospital operated during the First World War on the premises of the St Olaves Union workhouse at Ladywell, near Lewisham, in south east London

Olave Baden-Powell
OLAVE BADEN-POWELL Chief Guide and wife of Baden- Powell, Chief Scout

St Olave Union Workhouse, Ladywell, South London - Dining Ha
The festively decorated dining-hall at the St Olave Union Workhouse, Ladywell, South London - presumably a special occasion such as Christmas or a royal celebration

Laundry at Shirley Schools, near Croydon, Surrey
Inmates ironing clothes and linen in the laundry at the Shirley Schools, near Croydon, Surrey, established in 1904 by the St Olave Union to house pauper children away from the workhouse

Robert Baden-Powell (1857 - 1941), British Army officer, writer, founder and first Chief Scout of the world-wide Scout Movement

St. Olaves Church, Hart Street, City of London (looking east)

Church of St. Olave Hart Street, London, England, seen here in the 19th century. From London Pictures, published 1890

Lady Olave Baden-Powell Chief Guide of the World
Lady Olave Baden-Powell, Chief Guide of the World. Date: 1969

Shirley Schools, near Croydon, Surrey
The entrance (left) tot the Shirley Schools on Wickham Road, Shirley. The Schools were established in 1904 by the St Olave Union to house pauper children away from the workhouse

Bermondsey Union Infirmary, Lower Road, Rotherhithe, London
The entrance to the Bermondsey Union Infirmary, Lower Road, Rotherhithe, south east London. The infirmary, originally opened in 1876 as the St Olaves Union Infirmary, later became St Olaves Hospital

Laying the foundation stone, Baden Powell House, London
Scene during the laying of the foundation stone for the new Baden Powell House in Queens Gate, South Kensington, London. The site was acquired in 1956, and Ralph Tubbs was appointed architect

Trowel, Baden Powell House, South Kensington, London
The trowel used by Lady Olave Baden Powell in 1959 when she laid the foundation stone for the new Baden Powell House in Queens Gate, South Kensington, London

Baden Powell House, South Kensington, London
Street view of Baden Powell House, Queens Gate, South Kensington, London. The site was acquired in 1956, and Ralph Tubbs was appointed architect

London Old Jewry
The church of St Olave Jewry, proof that Jews and Christians can live in harmony if they try. Date: 1830

Henry Owen, Churchman
HENRY OWEN Welsh churchman and scholar, rector of St Olave s, Hart Street, London Date: 1716 - 1795

A Brownie meeting the Chief Guide
A Brownie presents the Chief Guide (Lady Olave Baden-Powell) with an elephant model, while other officials and an audience watch. 1930s

St Olaves Church - viewed from Hart Lane, London

Q Elizabeths School
A South View of Queen Elizabeths Free Grammar School in Tooley Street in the Parish of St Olave, Southwark, with a Plan of the Adjacent Neighbourhood done in 1813

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Olave: A Woman of Many Roles and Contributions" Olave, a name that resonates with history and significance, holds a multitude of connections to various places and events. From her birthplace at Ladywell Lodge in Lewisham, South East London, to her involvement at the Bermondsey Military Hospital in London during times of great strife, Olave's journey was one filled with compassion and dedication. Her impact extended beyond healthcare as she also played a crucial role in the laundry operations at Shirley Schools near Croydon, Surrey. This exemplified her commitment to improving the lives of others through practical means. However, it is perhaps most fitting to associate Olave with her marriage to Robert Baden-Powell. As his wife and first Chief Guide for Britain, she stood by his side as he founded the world-wide Scout Movement. Together they shaped its values and principles that continue to inspire generations today. Even within their personal lives, Olave's influence was felt deeply. The St Olave Union Workhouse in Ladywell served as both a dining hall where sustenance was provided for those in need and a ward interior where care was administered selflessly, and is here that Olave's compassionate spirit truly shone through. The couple's devotion extended even further when they laid the foundation stone for Baden Powell House in London - an enduring symbol of their shared vision for scouting education worldwide. With trowel in hand on this momentous occasion held at South Kensington, Olave left an indelible mark on history. As we reflect upon these significant moments from 1930 onwards - including visits to St. Olaves Church on Hart Street or exploring the kitchens within St Olave Union Workhouse - we are reminded not only of Olave's remarkable contributions but also her unwavering dedication towards serving others.