Sir Christopher Sykes, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Sir Christopher Sykes, 2nd Baronet (born May 23, 1749 – died September 17, 1801) was an important English politician. He was a member of the Tory Party. From 1784 to 1790, he served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the town of Beverley. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
Christopher was the only son of Sir Mark Sykes. His father was a minister in a place called Roos in Yorkshire. Sir Mark became the first person in his family to be a Baronet. This is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down. When his father died in 1783, Christopher inherited Sledmere House. This was a large family home.
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Improving Sledmere House and Estate
In the 1790s, Sir Christopher made many big changes. He wanted to make Sledmere House and its land much better. He bought and took over huge areas of land. This land was then used for farming.
Building and Landscaping Projects
Sir Christopher added two new parts to the house. He also worked on the land around it. He planted a massive number of trees. About 10 square kilometers of trees were planted! This made the area look beautiful. He also hired a famous artist named Joseph Rose. Joseph Rose was known for his amazing plaster work. He decorated the inside of Sledmere House.
A Lasting Legacy
When Sir Christopher passed away, he left behind a huge estate. It was nearly 120 square kilometers in size. The large mansion was set in its own parkland. This parkland was about 0.8 square kilometers. The house and land are still owned by the Sykes family today.
His Time in Parliament
Sir Christopher was chosen as an MP in 1784. He was one of two MPs for Beverley. He served in Parliament for six years. However, he did not try to be elected again in 1790.
Family Life
Christopher Sykes married a woman named Elizabeth. She was the daughter of William Tatton. They lived at Wythenshawe Hall in Cheshire. Christopher and Elizabeth had five children together. They had three sons and two daughters. His sons, Sir Mark Masterman-Sykes, 3rd Baronet and Sir Tatton Sykes, 4th Baronet, became Baronets after him. His daughter Elizabeth married her cousin, Wilbraham Egerton. He lived at Tatton Park.
See also
- Sykes family of Sledmere
