High Court Showdown Over Aristocrat's Ex-Wife's £1.2 Million Trust
A baronet who once advertised for a 'castle-trained' non-communist bride is now embroiled in a High Court fight with his ex-wife over her substantial £1.2 million trust fund. Sir Benjamin Slade, the 7th Baronet of Maunsel, is contesting Lady Pauline Slade's attempts to sell a property from their divorce settlement to clear her debts and enhance her income.
Unconventional Marriage Search and Divorce Settlement
Sir Benjamin, 79, gained notoriety in 2017 when he appeared on ITV's This Morning to publicly seek a wife. His specific requirements included that she could not be from a country beginning with 'I' or with green in its flag, nor could she be Scottish, a Scorpio, or lesbian. He emphasised the need for a 'good breeder'. The aristocrat, a descendant of one of the Duke of Wellington's generals, was previously married to Lady Slade for 12 years before their divorce in 1994. He later expressed frustration over her 17 cats.
As part of the divorce agreement, Lady Slade was granted an 'income fund' currently valued at approximately £651,000, along with a £585,000 house located on Sir Benjamin's 2,000-acre estate in rural Somerset. This property, known as the Old Farm, was transferred into a trust to provide her with lifetime rent-free accommodation.
Legal Dispute Over Property Sale
Lady Slade has since moved out of the Old Farm and is now seeking to have the trustees sell the property. She aims to use the proceeds to pay off her debts and invest the remaining funds to boost her income. This move has triggered a complex legal battle that has reached the High Court, with Sir Benjamin actively opposing the sale.
During proceedings, Sir Benjamin's barrister, Robert Deacon, argued that Lady Slade has no claim to the sale proceeds. He stated that her rights under the trust are limited to living in the property for life, not to converting it into an income-generating asset. 'The trust is there to permit her to live there as long as she lives,' Sir Benjamin told the court. 'A more fundamental point is that the property was transferred solely to provide a place for her to live rent free.'
Trustees Seek Judicial Clarification
The trustees of Lady Slade's fund have asked High Court judge Master Julia Clark to determine whether Lady Slade can legally compel them to sell the house and how the sale proceeds may be used. Represented by barrister Hugh Cumber, the trustees maintained a neutral stance in the face of 'diametrically opposing views' between the former couple.
Notably, Lady Slade did not participate in the court case or submit evidence, despite having a vested interest in the outcome. The trustees initiated the proceedings to resolve the dispute and ensure proper administration of the trust.
Background of the Slade Family
Sir Benjamin is a direct descendant of General Sir John Slade, the first baronet, who served under the Duke of Wellington but was criticised for his handling of cavalry. The family seat is Maunsel House, a sprawling 13-bedroom red-brick manor in Somerset with origins dating back to the 11th century. Legend holds that Geoffrey Chaucer wrote some of his works there. The estate features a blocked secret passage linked to a local church and a well-stocked bar displaying 81 firearms, including a heavy machine gun.
Lady Slade, also 79, is the daughter of the late Devon county cricketer and British Army officer Major Claude Myburgh. The divorce settlement in 1994 established the trust to provide her with income and accommodation, but the current dispute centres on interpreting its terms.
Recent Developments and Eccentricities
Sir Benjamin, who made his fortune in the shipping industry, recently appeared on Channel 4's reality gameshow Handcuffed. Paired with a prison guard, he lasted only 12 hours before demanding to be released, famously ranting, 'It's my house, I want my f***ing phone thanks - I need to check what's happening in the world.' He subsequently used bolt cutters to separate himself from his partner, breaching the show's rules.
Master Clark has reserved her decision on whether Lady Slade can force the sale of the Old Farm and invest the proceeds for income. The ruling will clarify the trust's purpose and the extent of Lady Slade's rights under the divorce settlement.
