[2] Following its inception in Glasgow in 1883 the BB quickly spread across the United Kingdom, becoming a worldwide organisation by the early 1890s.

[4] However, some countries, particularly those which permit girls on their membership roll, have re-worded the object for gender neutrality.

When designing the Brigade's motto and crest, William Smith referred directly to Hebrews 6:19 in the King James Version of the Bible, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast...".

[3][6] The crest was originally a plain anchor, bearing the BB motto with a capital 'B' on either side.

Lyrics: Great God who knowest all our need Bless Thou our watch and guard our sleep.

The Boys' Brigade was founded in Glasgow by Sir William Alexander Smith on 4 October 1883 to develop Christian manliness by the use of a semi-military discipline and order, gymnastics, summer camps and religious services and classes.

[7] By 1910, there were about 2200 companies connected with different churches throughout the British Empire and the United States, with 10,000 officers and 100,000 boys.

The Boys' Life Brigade had been formed in 1899, as a pacifist alternative to the BB, by the National Sunday School Union and was strongest amongst non-conformist churches.

The BB anchor badge was altered to include a red cross of the Boys' Life Brigade.

[5] Drawing from his military experience, William Smith (Knighted in 1909) introduced the concept of camping into the Brigade to allow boys and officers to remain in contact when other activities ceased for the summer break.

A tradition developed, where the boys who were marching home on the last day of camp would be greeted by cheers from residents and were each presented with a bouquet of flowers.

In some companies, sections may merge or there may be minor variations to the normal age boundaries, to accommodate excessively large or small groups of boys or a lack of leaders.

There are four NCO ranks available, each being awarded when a boy is of a certain minimum age and reaches a high enough standard of leadership: NCOs often play an important role in the Boys' Brigade, helping the officers and other adult helpers with organising activities and awards classes, particular in the Anchors and Juniors sections.

The uniform of Staff Sergeants is slightly different from that of the normal boy or NCO, they will still wear a blue shirt.

The Anchors can gain three badges: Green, Red and Blue triangles by completing a variety of activities in the areas of Body, Mind, Spirit, Community, and Creativity.

[20] Under the old 'Get the Credit' Scheme, Company Section members could gain one Target badge first (reduced from the required two in an award reorganisation a few years ago, though Target Two could still be completed as an optional extra), then five other badges (Interests, Adventure, Leadership, Physical and Community) with red and blue flashes around them.

This enabled the boys to attend a Leadership Training Course and potentially attain the President's Badge.

During a member's second year in Company Section they may gain the Discovery Badge, provided they have: gained a badge in all three zones within the last 12 months; completed an additional 6 hours work in any of the zones; taken part in a residential experience; played an active role in a Company, Battalion, or Church event; and had good attendance for the session.

The Discover programme includes the President's Badge, the requirements for which remain similar to those laid out in the 'Get the Credit' scheme.

[21] The award scheme for Seniors (16- to 18-year-olds), is called Challenge Plus, and was launched in time for the start for the 2008/09 Session, and includes the King's Badge.

A Originally called The Boys’ Brigade, the YOLW has had to gain a new identity due to political reasons.

[24] In 2014, BB work in India was re-established in Challapalli, Andhra Pradesh after an absence of almost 5 decades.