02/02/2026
Bill, who has been living with us for a little while now, has lived a pretty extraordinary life. A former fashion model, he once shared London flats with Mick Jagger’s brother and attended Rolling Stones parties during the height of the Swinging Sixties.
Born in Casablanca in 1948 to a Scottish mother and French father, Bill’s life has been shaped by creativity, independence and a fair few unexpected turns. As a teenager he ran away from school, before finding himself swept up in London’s fashion scene and modelling for celebrated designer Ossie Clark at a time when British fashion was finding its edge.
Through these circles, Bill crossed paths with musicians, artists and creatives, and even briefly dated Linda Keith - later mentioned by Keith Richards in his autobiography Life, where he wrote that the heartbreak went on to inspire Ruby Tuesday.
Bill’s son has kindly shared his remarkable life story with us, including reflections from family and one of Bill’s own poems. You can read the full story here: https://www.gibraltarnursinghome.com/bill-chenail-a-life-of-extraordinary-chapters-monmouth-nursing-home/
In William (Bill) Chenail’s room at Gibraltar Nursing Home, there is a framed photograph of him standing on a beach beside a young boy. They are both sun-tanned, their hair ruffled by the sea breeze. The boy, Bill’s son Bonner, is eight years old and bursting with pride. This is the day he caugh...
