William Chambers

Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) was a Scottish architect, (though born in Stockholm). Having studied in France and Italy, he was influenced by continental styles when designing for English clients. His most famous building is Somerset House in London.

William Chambers (April 16, 1800 - May 20, 1883) was a Scottish publisher, the brother of Robert Chambers.

He was born in Peebles and came to Edinburgh in 1814 to work in the bookselling trade. He opened his own shop in 1819 and branched out into printing. With his younger brother, Robert, he produced books of Scottish interest, such as Gazetteer of Scotland. Their publishing business prospered, and in 1859 - the year in which Chambers Encyclopaedia saw the light - he founded a museum and art gallery in Peebles. As Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1865 to 1869, he was responsible for the restoration of St Giles' Cathedral.