Baden-Powell set up the scouts after his experiences in the army

Lord Baden-Powell wrote Scouting For Boys after running an experimental camp for boys at Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset, in August 1907.

About 20 boys from different social backgrounds were involved in the camp.

The original hand-written manuscript, which went on to become the fourth best-selling book of the 20th century, will go on display at Poole Museum.

'Rare treasures'

The exhibition from 21 March until 2 November, called Scouting For Boys... And Girls, will also feature other iconic and rare treasures, many of which have never gone on public display before.

Lord Baden-Powell's own scout hat along with medals from his military career and the Union Flag flown at the original Brownsea Island camp will also be part of the exhibition.

Michael Spender, Poole Museum manager, said: "The international importance of the collection makes this the most significant exhibition to be associated with the centenary of scouting.

"[Lord Baden-Powell] used his experiences of military scouting in his campaigns as the basis for Scouting For Boys.

"The publication of the book (in 1908) created extraordinarily widespread enthusiasm among boys and girls and within weeks scout groups were spontaneously being formed all around the UK.

"From its origins in the battlefields of South Africa and the Brownsea Island camp, scouting became a worldwide phenomenon with over 38 million scouts and guides."