Angus Archives Welcomes Significant Historical Donation

Angus Archives received a fantastic donation of records from Laura Doig earlier this week.

Born in Arbroath, Laura grew up at Caenlochan House, Keptie Street, and has since moved to Spain.

The donation is the collection of Captain Sir William Chapel (1870-1950), Provost of Arbroath between 1928-1943, her great grandfather. It includes Chapel’s Freedom of the Burgh presentation certificate and box, a photographs album of Arbroath Town Council, military papers, and letters, including one from Scouting pioneer, Robert Baden-Powell.

Sir William Chapel followed in his father’s footsteps, entering the legal profession and joining the family firm, which became D. & W. Chapel, solicitors. In 1931, he was joined in the firm by his own son, David Chapel.

Sir William entered the Town Council as a representative of the Abbey and Guthrie Port Ward in 1909, and remained a member for that ward until his retirement in 1943. In 1920, he was promoted to Second Baillie, and after holding office as First Baillie, was unanimously appointed Provost.

Chapel was instrumental in developing the town as an industrial and tourist centre and fought to secure for Arbroath the status of a large burgh of Scotland. He oversaw the construction of the bulwark and promenade at Victoria Park, the erection of the Bathing Pavilion at West Links, the acquisition of Springfield and West Links Parks, and the building of the bathing pool.

He was knighted in 1933 in recognition of his public and political services in Angus, and in 1945 he received the Freedom of the Burgh and was presented, by public subscription, with his own portrait.

Sir William Chapel died on 5 October 1950 at Arbroath, survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.

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