Michael Cecil, 8th Marquess of Exeter

William Michael Anthony Cecil, 8th Marquess of Exeter (born 1 September 1935), is a Canadian rancher, businessman, and peer in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.

Born in Kamloops in British Columbia, he attended schools across rural Canada and, in England, went to Eton College. After leaving school, he returned to Canada to 100 Mile House where he managed a store. In January 1988, Cecil's father, Martin, died, and Cecil succeeded him as the 8th Marquess of Exeter. He also inherited the leadership of the Emissaries of Divine Light, which he ran until his resignation around 1996. After resigning, he moved to Oregon, where he and his wife co-ran The Ashland Institute. As of 2025, he lived in Victoria, British Columbia.

Life and career

Cecil was born on 1 September 1935 in Kamloops to William Martin Alleyne Cecil and Edith Csanady de Telegd. Martin had immigrated to Canada in 1930 to manage the family's Bridge Creek Ranch, sized at around , which was purchased by Martin's father William Cecil, 5th Marquess of Exeter, in 1912. During that time, it was customary for noblemen to purchase land in the British colonies. Cecil was christened at the ranch in 1935 by the Bishop of Cariboo. He was educated in rural Canada and attended Eton College. Following her death, Cecil returned to Canada to 100 Mile House. He originally intended to visit for just six months; however, he decided to stay in Canada and join the Emissaries of Divine Light, an intentional community which his father ran. Cecil began managing a general store in 100 Mile House, taking over after his father. Two years after he began managing it, Cecil designed and managed another store named the Food Centre, which he ran for four years.

salign = right fontsize = 88% The title of marquess is still pretty good for getting a decent seat in a restaurant in England. But that's about it. — Cecil on his title. As a result, Cecil inherited his titles and estate, becoming the 8th Marquess of Exeter, which entitled him to a seat in the House of Lords from 26 April 1989 to 11 November 1999, when the House of Lords Act 1999 was passed, excluding all but ninety-two hereditary peers. He made his maiden speech in the House of Lords on 16 May 1990. Before the act was passed, Cecil would travel to England once or twice a year to sit in the House. Due to his infrequent presence, he did not vote in the House, but stated that he had "some wisdom to contribute", and that he was "listed as having things to say on environmental matters". Cecil also held a minority share of Red Coach Inn and several residential lots, while Castonguay received residentially zoned land on 99 Mile Hill and near the local cemetery. Cecil was given the majority of industrial lots on Exeter Road, while Castonguay received some of the lots on the road. Cecil named his company Exeter Lake Holdings, Ltd., and Castonguay named her company 100 Mile Ranch Holdings, Ltd. where he and his wife co-ran The Ashland Institute in the city of Ashland.

Arms