Sir Benjamin Slade Accuses Judiciary of Bias Over Divorce Dispute

Sir Benjamin Slade, an 80-year-old aristocrat and descendant of Charles II, has accused the judiciary of punishing him for his identity as a white male and member of the upper class following his defeat in a high-profile divorce dispute. The battle centered on a £1.2million trust fund and a property known as Old Farm on his 2,000-acre Somerset estate. Once married to Lady Pauline Slade for 12 years until their separation in 1994, the couple's relationship was marked by friction, including Sir Benjamin's complaints about her 17 cats. Upon their split, the settlement granted Lady Pauline a life interest in Old Farm, valued at £585,000, alongside an income fund currently worth approximately £650,000.

Tensions escalated in 2023 when Lady Pauline vacated the home, prompting her request for trustees to sell the property to settle her debts and boost her income. Sir Benjamin's legal team argued she held no rights to the sale proceeds, maintaining that her entitlement was strictly limited to residing there rent-free for life. The matter reached the High Court, where trustees sought a ruling on whether Lady Pauline could profit from the sale. Master Julia Clark sided with the ex-wife, determining that the trust's primary purpose was to provide her with income throughout Sir Benjamin's lifetime and that her interest in the net proceeds did not automatically revert to him if she did not purchase a replacement home.

Following the verdict, Sir Benjamin vowed to continue his fight, dismissing the decision as a "joke." He stated, "But I expected it. There is a lot of class hatred, and as a white male with my background, you are going to be punished. It is classic." He further alleged that "reverse misogyny" influenced the outcome, noting that the judge was female and had supported his ex-wife. His barrister, Robert Deacon, confirmed that Lady Pauline moved out in 2022 or 2023 and wrote in August 2024 confirming she had no intention of returning to the property. While she expressed no desire to buy a new home, she insisted on selling Old Farm for her benefit. Sir Benjamin claimed he attempted to find a "sensible solution" but was met with refusal, adding, "There is a prejudice against people with money. I have had this before." He emphasized that his ex-wife is not a vulnerable individual, noting she lives in a £3million apartment and has inherited a fortune, concluding that "They were determined on war.

Sir Benjamin Slade has drawn sharp criticism, with one observer noting his behavior mirrors that of Donald Trump and certain Israeli figures. Despite his attempts to broker a peaceful resolution, he revealed that his estranged wife, Lady Slade, departed leaving the family estate in a state requiring extensive repairs, while also failing to cover its maintenance costs.

"We simply wanted to resolve this matter," he stated, lamenting that the dispute continues indefinitely with only legal professionals profiting. "The financial burden from both parties will be immense and must be deducted from her income." He expressed deep disappointment, confirming their intention to return to court, as the property has been left completely dilapidated and abandoned.

"None of the utility bills have been paid; she has failed to maintain the home in any way," he explained. Given the poor current market conditions and the house's disrepair, he insisted it must be fixed using someone's funds before any sale can be considered. "It is an incredibly difficult situation."

Maunsel House, the ancestral seat of the Slade family, is pictured here from an aerial view.

The legal saga, which stems from a divorce settlement established in 1986 that created a £1.2 million trust fund, has now escalated into a protracted battle. Slade compared the complex litigation to a petty neighborhood argument over a garden fence or boundary lines. "This could drag on for years," he warned. "People fight endlessly over such minor issues. Legal fees skyrocket, and the losing party is often financially ruined."

He emphasized the necessity of reaching a deal, noting a long list of necessary repairs. "If we sell, it must be renovated; you cannot simply walk away and say 'sell it'," he said. Although the assets eventually revert to him via the trust, he clarified his stance: "I would not be happy to see it sold for nothing."

This legal turmoil follows headlines in which Slade famously offered £50,000 annually to a "good breeder" and "castle-trained" wife capable of bearing his heir. Candidates were reportedly required to be at least 20 years his junior and possess a shotgun license. His strict criteria explicitly excluded Scorpios, drug users, and alcoholics.

While he expressed openness to candidates from Canada, the US, Germany, and Northern Europe, he dismissed the idea of marrying an Eskimo. Furthermore, he ruled out wives who read the Guardian, were Scottish, or stood taller than 5ft 6ins. Successful applicants were expected to be proficient in ballroom dancing, bridge, backgammon, and crosswords.

Ideal candidates were also required to hold a driving license, with a helicopter license deemed beneficial. Slade further demanded the ability to manage two castles, noting that estate, legal, and accounting training would be advantageous. In exchange, the package included a car, housing, expenses, food, and holidays, alongside the annual salary and bonuses.

Slade, who already has a daughter, Violet, with Sahara Sunday Spain, has previously indicated he is still seeking a male heir with genetic ties to a specific paternal ancestor. Meanwhile, he has been residing at Old Farm after listing Maunsel House for sale last year at an asking price of £3.5 million.

A direct descendant of General Sir John Slade, the first baronet, has issued a striking public appeal for a new wife, stating that a suitable candidate must be willing to handle a shotgun. This family lineage traces back to the Duke of Wellington's era, where the general was once publicly criticized by the Iron Duke for his inept cavalry handling and a notorious tendency to 'gallop at everything'.

The family seat, now listed for sale, is a sprawling 13-bedroom red-brick manor known as Maunsel House in Somerset. Its origins stretch back to the 11th century, and it is historically significant as the location where Geoffrey Chaucer is said to have written portions of his works.

Inside the historic property, visitors can find a blocked-off secret passage that was once connected to the local parish church. Additionally, a well-stocked bar features a display cabinet containing 81 firearms, including a heavy machine gun. The current owner, Lady Slade, 79, is the daughter of the late Devon county cricketer and British Army officer Major Claude Myburgh.