Imagine being so affluent that you own an entire village. This is the reality for the Sykes family, who have been the proprietors of the quaint Yorkshire village of Sledmere since 1748 – a staggering 255 years.
The small hamlet of Sledmere, nestled in East Yorkshire and approximately seven miles north-west of Driffield, has been under the ownership of the Sykes family for over two centuries. The village came into their possession when Richard Sykes married Mary Kirkby, whose brother Mark Kirkby, a prosperous Hull merchant, had acquired Sledmere through twelve separate purchases over a span of 25 years starting from 1721.
Upon his death in 1748, Mark Kirkby bequeathed the village to Richard Sykes, and it has remained within the family ever since, currently housing fewer than 400 residents.
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The Sykes family’s inheritance of the Sledmere estate was facilitated by their ties with the equally affluent Kirkby family. After relocating to Leeds, the Sykes family established themselves as merchants in Hull, following Richard Sykes’ marriage to Mary Kirkby, the co-heiress of the Sledmere estate.
(Image: Google)
Upon inheriting Sledmere in 1748, Richard Sykes (1706 – 1761) immediately set about transforming the village into the magnificent stately home it is today. He constructed the core of the present Sledmere House in 1751, relocated much of the village, and initiated the development of the park, reports Yorkshire Live.
Indeed, the Sykes family has played a pivotal role in shaping Sledmere into what it is today. Their influence extends beyond providing homes and jobs over the years.
In fact, without their intervention, the village might have been located elsewhere. In the late 1700s, Christopher Sykes moved the entire village to encircle his newly expanded estate, which spanned an impressive 30,000 acres, with a grand mansion and 200 acres of parkland at its heart.
In 1911, a devastating fire ravaged the house, reducing it to a charred shell. However, it has since been beautifully restored and continues to stand proudly in the centre of Sledmere, passed down through generations of the Sykes family.
(Image: Google)
Sledmere is nestled about 7 miles north-west of Driffield on the B1253 road. Local attractions include the magnificent Georgian country house, Sledmere House.
Approximately 2 miles south-east of the village, along the B1252 road, atop Garton Hill, stands the Sledmere Monument – a towering tribute to Sir Tatton Sykes, erected by his friends in 1865.
Another significant landmark is the village’s war memorial, designed by Sir Mark Sykes. The memorial honours the Wolds Wagoners Reserve, a regiment that Sir Mark Sykes formed from the local populace to serve in World War I.
It is recognised for its unique shape and its vivid depictions of war and rural life.
Sledmere Castle, a folly situated to the east of the village, was constructed around 1790 by John Carr for Sir Christopher Sykes, with the aim of enhancing the view from Sledmere House. The village of Sledmere also hosts Tribfest – the world’s largest tribute band music festival, which is scheduled to take place this year from August 18 to August 20.
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