It almost seems like a parody of the British aristocracy: a gentleman named Sir Benjamin Slade, 7th Baronet, is advertising for a mate to give him an “heir and a spare” and to look after his two castles. According to a news article, he is advertising for applicants, offering a salary of £50,000 per year, along with accommodation, meals, and bonus perks, for a woman who “meets his detailed list of requirements.” These include:
- You must not be a Scorpio.
- You must not read The Guardian newspaper.
- You must not be from countries starting with “I” or with green in their flag
- Taller than 5ft 6in (167 cm)
- At least 20 years younger than him (he is 79, so preferably under 60)
- A helicopter licence, shotgun licence, driving licence, and legal or accountancy training are listed as bonuses.
- He also wants someone fit, socially active, and capable of managing his estates and staff.
- You must be of childbearing age and a “good breeder” capable of producing two sons (an heir and a spare)
Here’s what you are getting, according to his Wikipedia page: Slade was in a relationship with socialite Fiona Aitken, wife of George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon, for a few years during the 1990s. From 1995 to 2011, his partner was actress Kirsten Hughes until, in his words, she “run off with the handyman”. In 2017, he split from his partner, domestic worker Bridget Convey, because, at the age of 50, she had become too old to supply him with an heir. In the same year, he advertised for a wife, citing that she should have a shotgun licence, a driving license, a coat of arms, and be young enough to have sons. In addition to rejecting candidates from countries beginning with an ‘I’ or with green in the flag (with the exception of Italian and northern Indian women), he says he won’t accept any candidates who are Scottish, lesbians, and/or communists.