Emily Cecil, Marchioness Of Salisbury

Mary Amelia Cecil, Marchioness of Salisbury (16 August 1750 – 22 November 1835), was born as Mary Amelia Hill in Dublin. She was the daughter of Wills Hill, 2nd Viscount Hillsborough, who later became the first Marquess of Downshire, and his first wife, Margaretta Fitzgerald (1729–1766). Her mother was a sister of James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster. Her father served as Secretary of State for the Colonies under Prime Minister Lord North from 1768 to 1772, during a period leading up to the American War of Independence.

On 2 December 1773, Emily Hill married James Cecil, Viscount Cranborne, who was the heir apparent to James Cecil, 6th Earl of Salisbury. Following her marriage, she became a recognized political hostess within Tory circles. She was noted for her unconventional attire, often designing her own clothing, and her distinctive style was frequently remarked upon.

In addition to her social and political activities, Emily Cecil engaged in sports, notably fox hunting. She was exceptional for her time in participating actively in such pursuits and became the first Englishwoman to serve as a Master of Foxhounds. In 1775, she took over leadership of the Hatfield Hunt from her husband.

The marriage produced four children: Lady Georgiana Charlotte Augusta Cecil (who died in 1860 and married Henry Wellesley, 1st Baron Cowley); Lady Emily Anne Bennet Elizabeth Cecil (who died in 1858 and married George Nugent, 1st Marquess of Westmeath); Caroline Cecil (who died young); and James Brownlow William Gascoyne-Cecil, who later became the 2nd Marquess of Salisbury (1791–1868).

Following the death of her husband, Lady Salisbury resided at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire with her son and grandchildren. She died on 27 November 1835 at the age of eighty-five. Her death was attributed to a fire, believed to have been caused when feathers in her hat ignited while she was at her writing desk. The fire destroyed the west wing of Hatfield House, and only a few bones of her remains were recovered.