Aristocrat Sir Benjamin Slade Battles Ex Wife Lady Pauline Slade in High Court Over £1.2 Million Trust Fund and Sale of Historic Maunsel Estate Home While Maintaining Eccentric Quest for Bride

Sir Benjamin Slade, the 7th Baronet of Maunsel, has found himself at the center of a bitter High Court dispute with his ex-wife, Lady Pauline Slade, over her £1.2 million trust fund.

Known for his unconventional approach to finding a spouse, Sir Benjamin is now challenging Lady Slade’s plans to sell a property on his Somerset estate to boost her income and pay off debts.

The Infamous Marriage Hunt

Back in 2017, Sir Benjamin made headlines when he appeared on ITV’s This Morning, seeking a “castle-trained” bride.

He publicly announced a strict list of requirements: applicants had to be at least 20 years his junior, able to handle a shotgun, enjoy ballroom dancing, bridge, and backgammon, and possess administrative skills for running two castles.

He also ruled out anyone Scottish, Scorpio, lesbian, under 5’6”, or from a country starting with “I,” and added that a helicopter licence would be a bonus.

Most controversially, he insisted any potential wife be a “good breeder” capable of producing “an heir and a spare.”

Divorce Settlement and the Trust Fund

Sir Benjamin and Lady Pauline were married for 12 years before divorcing in 1994, reportedly due to disagreements over her 17 cats.

As part of the settlement, Lady Slade received an income fund, now valued at roughly £651,000, and a £585,000 property on Sir Benjamin’s 2,000-acre Maunsel estate, known as the Old Farm.

Lady Slade has now vacated the property and wants the trustees to sell it to settle debts and increase her income.

Sir Benjamin, however, argues she has no right to force the sale, claiming the trust was never meant to turn the property into an income-generating asset.

High Court Battle

The legal showdown centers on whether Lady Slade can compel the trustees to sell the Old Farm and invest the proceeds for her benefit.

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Sir Benjamin’s barrister, Robert Deacon, explained the original trust’s purpose was to provide Lady Slade with lifetime rent-free accommodation, not income.

Lady Slade reportedly confirmed in August 2024 that she had no intention of returning to the property and did not wish to acquire a replacement home.

Sir Benjamin insists that under the terms of the divorce, she can only request a sale if she intends to live in the property.

Maunsel House and Family Legacy

The Slade family seat, Maunsel House, is a sprawling 13-bedroom red-brick manor with origins dating back to the 11th century.

It has a rich history, including connections to Geoffrey Chaucer, and features a secret passage once linking the house to the local parish church, a bar displaying 81 firearms, and sprawling grounds.

Sir Benjamin himself descends from General Sir John Slade, one of the Duke of Wellington’s generals.

Sir Benjamin’s Eccentric Public Life

Beyond his marital pursuits, Sir Benjamin has made waves in the media.

He participated in Channel 4’s reality show Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, quitting after just 12 hours in dramatic fashion.

He has also previously offered £50,000 annually to secure a bride who meets his exacting standards.

Impact and Consequences

The High Court case has highlighted the complexities of trust law and divorce settlements, raising questions about the extent of an ex-spouse’s rights over property held in trust.

A ruling in favor of Lady Slade could set a precedent for similar trust-related disputes, while a decision for Sir Benjamin reinforces the limited powers life tenants may hold.

What’s Next?

Master Julia Clark, presiding over the case, has reserved judgment on whether Lady Slade can compel the trustees to sell the Old Farm and invest the proceeds for income.

The decision could take weeks or months, leaving the future of the Somerset estate uncertain.

Summary

Sir Benjamin Slade, famed for his unusual quest to find a wife, is embroiled in a High Court battle with his ex-wife, Lady Pauline Slade, over control of her £1.2 million trust fund.

At the heart of the dispute is whether Lady Slade can sell a property intended as her lifetime home to increase her income.

The case underscores the tensions between life interests in trusts and the rights of beneficiaries.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Sir Benjamin Slade once publicly advertised for a “castle-trained” bride with strict requirements.
• Divorce settlement granted Lady Slade an income fund and a £585,000 house on the Maunsel estate.
• Lady Slade has vacated the property and wants to sell it to pay debts and boost income.
• Sir Benjamin argues the trust was intended solely for her to live rent-free, not to generate income.
• High Court judge has reserved decision on whether the sale and investment of proceeds can be forced.