A 79-year-old aristocrat, Sir Benjamin Slade, has stirred controversy by initiating a quest to seek a bride who is 20 years his junior and proficient in handling a shotgun. He stipulated that candidates over 60 need not apply and offered a £50,000 annual allowance to assist in managing his extensive 1,300-acre estate in Somerset.
Sir Benjamin specified that his prospective wife should not be a Scorpio, engage in drug use or alcoholism, and should possess qualities of a “good breeder” to ensure the birth of a male heir. Additionally, he outlined that the bride should not hail from countries starting with ‘I’ or featuring green in their flags.
Expressing his preferences, Sir Benjamin mentioned a preference for candidates from Canada, America, Germany, and Northern Europe, emphasizing his desire for a compatible partner who is well-acquainted with country life and social engagements.
Among the requirements listed, the candidate must be adept at ballroom dancing, bridge, backgammon, and solving crosswords. Proficiency in physical activities like fast walking, swimming, and possessing a shotgun and driving license are also essential. Having a helicopter license and skills in estate management, law, and accountancy would be advantageous.
Addressing tax considerations, Sir Benjamin highlighted the necessity of marrying a lady at least two decades younger to enable a tax-efficient transfer of his estate and art collection to her, bypassing inheritance taxes. He stressed the importance of the wife living for seven years, being insured, and the widow receiving a financial share upon passing on the estate.
Sir Benjamin emphasized the significance of social compatibility, advocating for staying within one’s religion, class, country, and political beliefs to increase the likelihood of a successful marriage. He added that maintaining these commonalities reduces the risk of divorce.
Sir Benjamin Julian Alfred Slade, the son of Sir Michael Nial Slade, 6th Baronet, and Angela Clare Rosalind Chichester, inherited his baronetcy in 1962. Educated at Millfield School, he currently resides at Maunsel House in Bridgwater, Somerset.