The Sykes Baronetcy of Sledmere in the County of York was created on the 28 March 1783 for the Reverend Mark Sykes (1711-1783). The present portrait depicts his grandson, Sir Tatton Sykes, 4th Bt., (1772-1863). At his death, Sir Tatton Sykes's stud numbered around 300 thoroughbreds. Grey Momus (b.1835) came third in the Derby of 1837 and Black Tommy, came second in 1857. He was also a master of foxhounds for forty years, hunting the country from Coxwold to Spurn Head in East Riding. Like many sporting squires, Sir Tatton Sykes was well known in surrounding counties and some three thousand people were reported to have been at his burial on the 27th March 1863. The Sledmere Monument, a stone structure some 120 feet in height, was erected at Garton Hill, near Sledmere by public subscription in 1865 bearing the inscription "Erected to the memory of Sir Tatton Sykes Baronet by those who loved him as a friend and honoured him as a landlord".