SYKES (Sir Mark Masterman). Hand-written letter and plan signed M. Masterman, Sledmore House, Yorkshire: June 10th, 1802.1802

 Letter to unknown architect requesting a monument to be designed to fit in a church, with neat plan below. The sheet of paper measures 13" x 8", top outer corner chipped, light toning and a few spots to paper. All of the text on one side, the verso blank lightly soiled, and one ink spot. Sir Mark Masterman Sykes, Bart., (1771-1823), was the eldest son of Sir Christopher Sykes, second baronet, of Sledmere, Yorkshire. He was born on the 20th of August 1771, and in his seventeenth year was sent to Brasenose College, Oxford. In 1795 he served the office of High Sheriff of Yorkshire, and on the death of his father in 1801 he succeeded to the title and estates. He was elected Member of Parliament for the city of York in 1807; was again returned in 1812 and 1813, and retired on account of ill health in 1820. Sir M. Masterman Sykes was twice married. His first wife was Henrietta, daughter and heiress of Henry Masterman of Settrington, Yorkshire, and on his union with her in 1795 he assumed the additional name of Masterman. She died in 1813, and in the following year he married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of William Tatton Egerton, and sister of Wilbraham Tatton Egerton, of Tatton Park, who survived him. Sir Mark died at Weymouth, on his way to London, on the 16th of February 1823. He had no children, and was succeeded by his brother, Sir Tatton Sykes.