Peter Farquhar was a distinguished British teacher, novelist, and academic whose life and tragic death in 2015 became the focus of intense national interest and a major criminal investigation. Born in 1946, he spent over three decades inspiring students at prestigious institutions like Manchester Grammar School and Stowe School before serving as a guest lecturer at the University of Buckingham. Farquhar was a deeply religious man and a published author, known for works such as Between Boy and Man, which explored the intersection of faith and personal identity.
In his later years, Farquhar fell victim to a sophisticated “gaslighting” and grooming plot orchestrated by Benjamin Field, a former student who manipulated Farquhar into a fake relationship to inherit his estate. This article provides a comprehensive look at Peter Farquhar’s professional achievements, his literary contributions, and the factual details surrounding the legal case that eventually brought his killer to justice. Readers will explore his early life, his influence on generations of students, and the subsequent media dramatizations, including the BBC series The Sixth Commandment, which honored his memory while exposing the dangers of domestic manipulation.
Early Life and Academic Background
Peter Anthony Scott Farquhar was born on January 3, 1946, in Edinburgh, Scotland, into a family that valued education and service. He attended Latymer Upper School in London before moving on to Churchill College, Cambridge, where he earned a first-class degree in English.
His time at Cambridge was foundational, exposing him to rigorous intellectual debate and some of the finest literary minds of the era. This academic excellence set the stage for a career defined by a profound love for the English language and its power to shape young minds.
Career at Manchester Grammar School
Farquhar began his teaching career at Manchester Grammar School in 1970, where he remained for twelve years. He quickly earned a reputation as a formidable but deeply caring educator who could spot potential in students that others might overlook.
During his tenure, he was known for his sharp wit and high standards, often helping students navigate the complexities of adolescence through literature. Many of his former pupils, including prominent journalists and filmmakers, credit him with sparking their lifelong passion for storytelling.
Influence and Legacy at Stowe
In 1983, Farquhar moved to Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, where he would teach for the next 21 years. At Stowe, he became a central figure in the school’s community, serving as an English teacher and a dedicated mentor.
He was particularly noted for his “old-fashioned” but effective teaching style, often wearing formal attire and demanding intellectual rigor. His ability to connect with students on a personal level made him a “second father” figure to many, leaving an indelible mark on the school’s history.
Transition to the University of Buckingham
Following his retirement from Stowe in 2004, Farquhar did not step away from academia; instead, he became an occasional lecturer at the University of Buckingham. He specialized in English literature, sharing his decades of expertise with undergraduate and postgraduate students.
It was during this period that he met Benjamin Field, a student who initially appeared to share Farquhar’s deep interest in poetry and theology. This professional environment unfortunately provided the backdrop for the beginning of Field’s predatory behavior.
Literary Works and Publications
Farquhar was a prolific writer throughout his life, though much of his work was published later in his career. His most notable novel, Between Boy and Man (2010), was a semi-autobiographical account of a school chaplain’s struggle with his faith and sexuality.
Other works included A Bitter Heart (2012) and A Wide Wide Sea (2015), the latter of which was published just months before his death. His writing was characterized by its sensitivity, exploring themes of loneliness, moral duty, and the search for companionship.
Faith and Religious Commitment
A devout evangelical Christian, Peter Farquhar was a lay minister who frequently preached at Stowe Parish Church. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding his moral compass and his interactions with both colleagues and students.
He at one point considered seeking ordination in the Church of England, though he ultimately chose to remain a lay member. His religious convictions were a source of great strength, but they also made him a target for a predator who used shared “religious values” as a tool for deception.
The Relationship with Benjamin Field
The relationship between Farquhar and Benjamin Field began as a mentorship but was quickly manipulated by Field into a romantic and spiritual partnership. Field moved into Farquhar’s home in Maids Moreton and convinced him to participate in a “betrothal” ceremony in 2014.
Field utilized a calculated campaign of “gaslighting,” where he would move objects or hide belongings to make Farquhar believe he was developing dementia. This psychological abuse was intended to isolate Farquhar and make him entirely dependent on Field’s “care.”
Tragic Death in Maids Moreton
Peter Farquhar died on October 25, 2015, at his home in Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire, at the age of 69. His death was initially ruled as accidental, attributed to acute alcohol ingestion, as Field had spent months spiking Farquhar’s drinks.
The initial investigation failed to identify the foul play involved, allowing Field to inherit Farquhar’s estate. It was only after Field targeted a second neighbor, Ann Moore-Martin, that police began to uncover the pattern of manipulation and poisoning.
Criminal Investigation and Evidence
The investigation into Farquhar’s death was reopened after concerns were raised by the family of Ann Moore-Martin. Forensic teams exhumed Farquhar’s body, discovering traces of sedatives and hallucinogens that matched Field’s purchase records and personal journals.
Police discovered “workbooks” belonging to Field that detailed his plans to torment Farquhar and eventually kill him. These journals provided chilling evidence of Field’s lack of remorse and his purely financial motivation for the murder.
The Trial of Benjamin Field
In 2019, Benjamin Field stood trial at Oxford Crown Court, where he admitted to drugging Farquhar but denied the murder. The prosecution successfully argued that Field had suffocated Farquhar after rendering him too weak to resist through a cocktail of drugs and alcohol.
Field was found guilty of murder on August 9, 2019, and was later sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 36 years. The trial judge described Field as a “sophisticated predator” who had exploited Farquhar’s desire for companionship.
Appeals and Legal Developments
Since his conviction, Benjamin Field has made several attempts to appeal his sentence and conviction. In March 2021, the Court of Appeal rejected his first bid, upholding the original verdict and the life sentence.
Further legal challenges were dismissed in 2022, with the courts consistently ruling that the evidence against Field was overwhelming. As of 2025, Field remains incarcerated, having been ordered to pay significant restitution to the families of his victims.
Portrayal in The Sixth Commandment
In 2023, the BBC aired The Sixth Commandment, a critically acclaimed four-part drama starring Timothy Spall as Peter Farquhar. The series was praised for its sensitive portrayal of the victims and its focus on the human cost of the crime.
The drama helped raise public awareness about “gaslighting” and the vulnerability of the elderly to domestic abuse. Timothy Spall’s performance was particularly lauded for capturing Farquhar’s intelligence, vulnerability, and inherent dignity.
Practical Information and Planning
For those interested in the academic and historical locations associated with Peter Farquhar, several sites in Buckinghamshire and Manchester remain active institutions.
- Stowe School: Located in Buckinghamshire, the school grounds and the Stowe Parish Church are accessible to the public during specific visiting hours, often managed by the National Trust.
- University of Buckingham: The university holds various public lectures and events; visitors should check the official website for academic calendars and guest visit protocols.
- Maids Moreton: This quiet village is a residential area; visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the local community’s privacy when visiting the parish church or local landmarks.
- The Sixth Commandment: This series is available on BBC iPlayer and various international streaming platforms for those looking to understand the case’s details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Peter Farquhar die?
Peter Farquhar was murdered by Benjamin Field through a combination of drugging, gaslighting, and eventual suffocation. His death was initially mistaken for alcohol poisoning because Field had been spiking his drinks for months.
Who was Benjamin Field?
Benjamin Field was a student and churchwarden who befriended Peter Farquhar. He was later convicted of Farquhar’s murder and the fraud of another neighbor, Ann Moore-Martin.
Where did Peter Farquhar teach?
He was a long-term English teacher at Manchester Grammar School (1970–1982) and Stowe School (1983–2004). Later, he lectured at the University of Buckingham.
What is “The Sixth Commandment”?
It is a 2023 BBC true-crime drama series that dramatizes the events leading up to and following the murder of Peter Farquhar and the targeting of Ann Moore-Martin.
Was Peter Farquhar a published author?
Yes, he wrote three novels: Between Boy and Man, A Bitter Heart, and A Wide Wide Sea. His work often dealt with themes of faith and personal conflict.
What was the motive for the murder?
The primary motive was financial gain. Benjamin Field manipulated Farquhar into changing his will so that Field would inherit his house and life savings.
How long was Benjamin Field’s sentence?
Field was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 36 years. He will not be eligible for parole until he has served this minimum period.
What is gaslighting in the context of this case?
Gaslighting involved Field moving Farquhar’s belongings and convincing him he was losing his mind or suffering from dementia. This made Farquhar more dependent on Field.
Did anyone else help Benjamin Field?
A friend of Field’s, Martyn Smith, was also charged but was acquitted of all counts related to the murder and conspiracy.
Is Peter Farquhar’s book “Between Boy and Man” still available?
Yes, his novels are still in print and can be found through major online book retailers, often sought out by those interested in his life and literary style.
How was the murder finally discovered?
The investigation was reopened after the family of Ann Moore-Martin became suspicious of Field’s relationship with her. This led to the exhumation of Farquhar’s body and the discovery of drug evidence.
Final Thoughts
The life of Peter Farquhar serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact a dedicated educator can have on generations of students. While the tragic circumstances of his final years often dominate the headlines, his true legacy lies in the thousands of minds he shaped at Manchester Grammar School and Stowe School. His commitment to literature, his unwavering faith, and his intellectual rigor created a standard of excellence that continues to influence the British academic landscape. By examining his life in its entirety, we honor a man who was defined by his brilliance and kindness far more than by the malice of his predator.
Furthermore, the public resolution of the Maids Moreton case has provided a critical case study in the recognition of psychological abuse and elder exploitation. The bravery of those who spoke out, combined with the meticulous work of forensic investigators, ensured that justice was served. Today, Peter Farquhar is remembered not only as a victim of a historical crime but as a scholar, a man of God, and a beloved mentor whose literary works continue to offer insight into the complexities of the human condition. His story encourages a heightened societal awareness of the importance of protecting the vulnerable while celebrating a lifetime dedicated to the pursuit of truth and beauty.
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