Wife Wanted: 79-Year-Old Aristocrat Seeks 20-Years-Younger Companion Who Can Shoot

A Nobleman’s Search for a Bride: A Unique Approach to Legacy and Family

Sir Benjamin Slade, a 79-year-old aristocrat, has embarked on an unusual journey to find a bride. His goal is not just to find a life partner but to secure the future of his sprawling 1,300-acre Somerset estate. The nobleman is seeking a woman who can serve as the “Lady of the House” and help manage the estate while also providing him with male heirs.

Requirements for the Ideal Bride

The first and most obvious requirement is age. Sir Benjamin insists that his future wife must be at least 20 years younger than him. This means women in their 60s are not eligible. He is looking for a “good breeder” who can give him at least two male heirs, though he is open to having three if possible. However, he is not strict about whether the candidate has already given birth.

He emphasizes that women play a crucial role in managing households, stating, “You always have a lady of the house, women run houses. People think that it is sexist. Jane Austen said if you got a big house, you need a wife.”

Specific Stipulations

Beyond age and breeding, Sir Benjamin has several other specific requirements. The ideal candidate must be taller than 5ft 6ins and cannot be a Scorpio or read the Guardian newspaper. He also expects her to have a shotgun and driving licence, with a helicopter licence being a bonus.

In terms of hobbies, the nobleman is looking for someone who enjoys ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and backgammon. Additionally, she should have a flair for administration and the ability to run two castles and an estate. Legal and accountancy training would be useful, as well as the ability to manage an estate and a grouse moor.

Financial Incentives

The position comes with a generous salary of £50,000 per year, along with a bonus. This includes a car, house, expenses, food, and holidays. The financial package is designed to ensure that the candidate can comfortably manage the responsibilities of running the estate.

Nationality and Cultural Preferences

Sir Benjamin has some unique preferences when it comes to the nationality of his potential bride. He rules out anyone from countries beginning with ‘I’ that have green in their flag, which includes Ireland, India, Italy, Ivory Coast, and Iran. He prefers candidates from Canada, the United States, Germany, and Northern Europe, referring to them as “similar people.” He also mentions that he does not want to marry an Eskimo, emphasizing his preference for a “nice, ordinary country girl.”

Tax Considerations

One of the more pragmatic reasons behind Sir Benjamin’s search for a younger bride is tax-related. He explains that to pass on his estate and art collection without incurring high taxes, he needs to leave it to his wife tax-free. This requires the wife to live for at least seven years after his death, and she must be insured. Hence, a younger wife is preferable.

Personal Background

Sir Benjamin Julian Alfred Slade is the son of Sir Michael Nial Slade, 6th Baronet, and Angela Clare Rosalind Chichester. He inherited his baronetcy from his father in 1962, and his older brother, Robert, predeceased their father. Educated at Millfield School, he currently resides at Maunsel House in Bridgwater, Somerset.

Full Requirements

The full list of requirements for the ideal candidate reads:
- Must have a shotgun licence, a driving licence (a helicopter licence would be beneficial)
- Amorial bearings
- Ability to run two castles, an estate, and a grouse moor
- Legal and accountancy training would be useful
- Must be able to breed two sons (don’t mind if she has bred before and is proven)
- A little private capital and income would be helpful
- A large fortune would be more helpful!

The candidate would be paid £50,000 plus a bonus per year, including a car, house, expenses, food, and holidays.
Guardian readers, Scorpios, drug users, alcoholics, Scots, under 5'6', people from countries beginning with 'I' who have green in their flag, and people from countries where they don't wear overcoats in the winter, need not apply!