Emma Weymouth

Emma Weymouth – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes


Explore the life of Emma Weymouth (née Emma McQuiston) — British model, socialite, and the first Black marchioness — from London upbringing to aristocratic influence, fashion, entrepreneurship, and public voice. Learn her story, achievements, and inspiring reflections.

Introduction

Emma Weymouth (born Emma Clare McQuiston on March 19, 1986) is a British model, socialite, author, entrepreneur, and aristocrat. Upon her marriage and her husband’s succession to the Bath marquessate, she became Britain’s first Black marchioness — a milestone both symbolic and historical. Over the years, she has used her platform in fashion, media, and estate stewardship to bring a modern sensibility to tradition, while speaking openly about identity, heritage, and purpose.

Early Life and Family

Emma McQuiston was born in London, England on 19 March 1986. Oladipo Jadesimi, is a Nigerian businessman associated with oil and logistics, and her mother, Suzanna McQuiston, is English.

She was raised in South Kensington, London. Amy Jadesimi, who is a prominent businesswoman in Nigeria.

In terms of education, Emma attended Queen’s Gate School in London for her early schooling. Art History at University College London (UCL). London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Marriage, Titles & Aristocratic Role

Emma’s marriage and subsequent role in British aristocracy have been defining parts of her public persona.

  • She married Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth (later 8th Marquess of Bath) on 8 June 2013.

  • Upon marriage, she was styled Viscountess Weymouth.

  • In 2020, when her husband succeeded to the marquessate, Emma became the Marchioness of Bath.

  • With that, she became Britain’s first Black marchioness, a landmark in the history of British peerage.

As Marchioness, she also took responsibilities related to the Longleat estate, the family’s historic seat in Wiltshire, which includes gardens, a safari park, and heritage tourism.

Modeling, Fashion & Media Work

Though her aristocratic role is prominent, Emma has an active presence in fashion and lifestyle realms.

  • She has modeled for major fashion houses, including Dolce & Gabbana, walking runway showcases (e.g. Harrods) and participating in fashion editorials.

  • She has served as a brand ambassador, including for Fiorucci.

  • Emma has also contributed in editorial and media roles, including being a contributing editor for British Vogue and writing lifestyle content.

  • Her lifestyle brand Emma’s Kitchen operates as a food, homeware, and recipe venture tied to Longleat’s heritage kitchens.

  • She and her husband were featured in a BBC One documentary, All Change at Longleat, chronicling their efforts to bring modern ideas to the estate.

  • In 2019, Emma competed on Strictly Come Dancing (Series 17), paired with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.

Legacy, Influence & Identity

Emma Weymouth's impact goes beyond titles and fashion:

  • Breaking barriers in aristocracy: Becoming the first Black marchioness has symbolic resonance about race, heritage, and inclusion in traditionally exclusive institutions.

  • Bridging tradition and modernity: Through her stewardship of Longleat and her lifestyle ventures, she navigates preserving heritage while injecting contemporary ideas.

  • Cultural voice: By speaking about racial identity, belonging, and representation in the aristocratic sphere, she contributes to broader conversations about race and class in the UK.

  • Style influencer: Her aesthetics, fashion choices, and public persona have drawn attention in style circles, and she is recognized as a fashion icon in some quarters.

  • Entrepreneurship rooted in place: Her food & home-lifestyle brand draws on her estate and heritage, creating synergy between personal brand and historical assets.

Personality & Strengths

Some traits and capacities often ascribed to Emma include:

  • Confidence & voice: Taking on a public role that bridges aristocracy and social media demands a strong personal presence.

  • Adaptability: She shifts between roles—model, socialite, editor, estate manager, media personality—with flexibility.

  • Cultural fluency: Having a bicultural background, she often reflects on identity, belonging, and bridging cultures.

  • Entrepreneurial spirit: Her work with Emma’s Kitchen and reinvigorating Longleat’s offerings reflects initiative and vision.

  • Sensitivity to heritage: She appears mindful of the historical legacies she inhabits and aims to honor them while evolving them.

Notable Quotes

Here are a few quotes and statements attributed to Emma Weymouth / Emma McQuiston that shed light on her perspective:

“I’m trying to bring everything back to Longleat — even the pineapples.” “When people see me in a lineage house with rules and archives and antiquities, they expect me to dress like a piece of history, but I want to look like me.” On her heritage: “I have a foot in both worlds … this is going to be my grandfather’s book, but also my own voice.” “I’ve published recipes for dishes that would have been cooked in Longleat 400 years ago, but I want to make them edible for a modern audience.”

These lines reflect her balancing act between tradition and personal expression, and her desire to modernize rather than simply preserve.

Lessons from Emma Weymouth’s Journey

From her path, several insights emerge that may inspire others:

  1. Heritage can be a platform, not just a burden. She leverages her aristocratic station to build projects, rather than just occupying a title.

  2. Identity is multifaceted; embrace its tension. Her bicultural roots and aristocratic roles might seem conflicting, but she uses both to shape her voice.

  3. Modernizing the old requires respect and courage. When updating estate traditions or fashion conventions, sensitivity is essential.

  4. Public roles demand authenticity. To be accepted in spaces historically closed to people of her background, being genuine matters.

  5. Leverage assets you already have. She turns Longleat’s existing kitchens, grounds, and heritage into content, products, and storytelling.

Conclusion

Emma Weymouth (née McQuiston) is more than a titled figure or a model: she is a bridge across heritage, race, fashion, and change. As Britain’s first Black marchioness, she occupies a symbolic space — yet she also acts practically, reinventing estate life, launching her brand, and shaping a narrative that honors ancestry while speaking to the present.