24 January – start of publication of Robert Baden-Powell's Scouting for Boys in London. The book will over time sell over 100 million copies and effectively begin the worldwide Boy Scout movement.
15 February – weekly boys' story paperThe Magnet is first published in London, containing "The Making of Harry Wharton", the first serial story of the fictional Greyfriars School written by Charles Hamilton as Frank Richards and introducing the character of Billy Bunter.
24 May (Empire Day) – formation of the 1st Arundel (Earl of Arundel's Own) Scout Group (traditionally accepted date although Scouting was probably active in Arundel prior to this).
29 June – the Apostolic constitutionSapienti consilio, issued by Pope Pius X, brings the Roman Catholic Church in Britain under regular canon law rather than being missionary territory.[7]
1 August – Old Age Pensions Act 1908 receives royal assent in Parliament, providing for a non-contributory pension to be paid (through post offices) to people aged over seventy of limited means but 'good character' from 1 January 1909.[10]
14 August – the first beauty pageant with international contestants is held at the Folkestone Pier Hippodrome. The winner is 18-year-old Nellie Jarman from East Molesey.[11]
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