In a remote corner of the Yorkshire Wolds, there stands a towering monument to a man who was once one of the richest landowners in England. Sir Tatton Sykes, the 4th Baronet of Sledmere, was a flamboyant character who loved to live life to the fullest. He was also a generous philanthropist who used his wealth to improve the lives of his tenants and the local community.

Sykes died in 1863, and his friends and tenants raised money to build a monument in his honor. The monument, which is located about a mile south of Sledmere House, is a 120-foot-tall Gothic tower. It is made of Whitby and Mansfield stone, and it is topped with a spire. The tower is decorated with intricate carvings, including a sculptured relief of Sykes on horseback.

The monument was dedicated in 1865, and it has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. Visitors used to be able to climb the internal staircase to the top of the tower, where they could enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.  You can no longer ascend but the views are pretty amazing even from the bottom, incorporating the Humber Bridge, Eggborough power station (Not any more, see here), the Dales, Hull and the sea among other points of interest. And of course the Needle itself can be seen from miles around.

Sykes was a complex man, and his monument reflects his many facets. It is a towering tribute to his wealth and power, but it is also a reminder of his generosity and compassion. The monument is a lasting reminder of a man who made a significant contribution to the Yorkshire Wolds.

Drone Video of Sir Tatton Sykes Monument

This isn't my video, but a video of someone that I follow: https://www.youtube.com/@rsmickeymooproductions4877

I do intend on visiting this place, I will add my video too, but I don't think I'll do as good a job as MickyMoo.