University Archives
Joseph Sykes and family, of Kirk Ella
This collection consists almost entirely of title deeds and provides evidence of the descent through the Anlaby, Robinson and Ellerker families of the manor of West Ella and the estates of Kirk Ella from the seventeenth century to the ownership of Joseph Sykes in 1783. The Sykes family was originally from Sykes Dyke, Cumberland, until they settled in Leeds as clothier merchants. Daniel Sykes (1632-1697), a junior member of the family, began trading in Hull in the early seventeenth century and his oldest surviving son, Richard Sykes (1678-1726), married Mary, heiress of Mark Kirkby of Sledmere. Their grandsons were in partnership, the eldest owning Sledmere and the youngest, Joseph Sykes (1723-1803), jointly owning a monopoly in the Swedish white iron ore trade before going into business alone in the 1750s. He bought West Ella Hall in 1750. In 1769 he made major purchases in Hessle, Anlaby, Tranby, Kirk Ella and Melton and for his eldest son, Richard Sykes (1755-1832), he bought the advowson of Foxholes. He went into partnership with his younger son, John Sykes (1763-1813), and they had reciprocating shares with Wilberforce and Smiths. He was chamberlain in 1751, sheriff in 1754 and mayor of Hull in 1761 and 1777. The estate was sold by his descendants in 1930. Apart from title deeds the circa 375 items held include appointments, wills and letters of Joseph Sykes sent to John Young McVicar. [DDKE; DDPR/50/32]