Please note: The following does not represent an intensive study of the Sykes in Drighlington. It is mainly a survey based on records I came across while researching Benjamin Sykes (c.1731-1817) and John Sykes (c. 1797-1851+) of Adwalton.

The records were taken from both the Bishop's Transcripts on microfilm though LDS and from the Birstall Parish records from 1558-1724 as transcribed by the Yorkshire Archaeological Society (YAS).

George Sykes (1588-1667), Drighlington and Mary Oates

Baptism: Leeds, 1588. See notation at marriage.

Marriage: George Sykes married Mary Oates on February 3, 1630. (YAS).

YAS Note: On the marriage of George Sykes and Mary Oates "Bap. Leeds Parish Church 25 Oct. 1588 son of George Sikes, Viccar layne. Bur. at B. November 21, 1645" (Baptized Leeds Parish Church 25 October 1588 son of George Sykes of Vicars Lane. Buried at Birstall November 21, 1645).

Notes:

• If he was baptized in Leeds in 1588, he was 42 years old when he married Mary Oates.
• There is no record for George Sykes buried in 1645 listed in the YAS.

Children:

1. James Sykes (1631-1681) and ?
   James, "the son of George Sykes of Dringlington", was baptized on June 24, 1631.
   Marriage: Unknown
   Children:
   1. Grace, the daughter of James Sykes of Drighlington, buried on March 8, 1657.
   2. James, the son of James Sykes, "parish of Birstall township of Drighlington', was baptized in Tong on October 4, 1657 according to the YAS addendum.
   3. Mary, the daughter of James Sikes of Drighlington, was baptized on September 25, 1659 in Tong according to the YAS addendum.
   4. Richard Sykes (1661-1737) Berkenshaw and Mary Barber
      Birth: Richard, the son of James Sykes, was baptized on December 15, 1661.
      Marriage: Richard married Mary Barber on July 18, 1683.
      Children:
      1. Richard, the son of Richard Sykes of Drighlington, was buried on April 9, 1685.
      2. James of Richard Sykes of Drighlington was baptized on February 10, 1686.
         Death: An infant of Richard Sykes of Drighlington was buried on February 14, 1686. This must have been James.
      3. George and
      4. Faith of Richard Sykes of Birkenshaw, January 12, 1688
         Marriage: Faith Sykes married John Snipe of D October 12, 1715
      5. John and
         Death: John of Richard Sykes of Bw buried July 31, 1695
      6. Elizabeth of Richard Sykes of Birkenshay, December 2 1694
      7. Mary daughter of Richard Sykes of Bw buried December 25, 1694
      8. Samuel of Richard Sykes of Birkenshaw, November 19 1696.
      Note: Birkenshay was a hamlet in either Hunsworth township or Gomersall township. My map that I have is not clear on this point.
      Death: Richard Sykes of Drighlington was buried June 23, 1737
      Death of Mary Barber Sykes: Mary Sykes, widow, of Drighlington was buried January 6, 1742
   5. William, the son of James Sykes, was baptized on January 17, 1664
      Death: William so of James Sykes of D buried on January 13, 1666.
   6. George Sykes (1666-1730) Drighlington/Adwalton and Mercy Eltofts
      George, the son of James Sykes, was baptized on April 16, 1666.
      Bastard: William bastard of George Sykes and Mary (Mercy) Eltofts of D baptized Aug 5, 1697
      Marriage: George Sykes married Mercy Eltoffe, November 28, 1698
      Children:
      1. Sarah of George Sykes of D November 12, 1699
      2. Elizabeth of George Sykes of D, August 3, 1701
      3. John of George Sykes of D August 15, 1703
      4. James of George Sykes of D, December 27, 1706
      5. George of George Sykes of D, May 22, 1709
      6. Richard of George Sykes of Adwalton, baptized December 23, 1711 (BT)
      Death: George Sykes of Adwalton, "householder" was buried October 5, 1730.
   7. Elizabeth, the daughter of James Sykes, was baptized on May 13, 1668 (YAS).
      Marriage: Elizabeth Sykes married William Batt July 13, 1691 (YAS).
      
   Death Of James Sykes: James Sykes of Drighlington was buried on May 28, 1681. There is a footnote on this entry, "Will (Sikes) 12 May 1681 pr 17 Aug 1681."
   

John Sykes (c. 1699-1799), father unknown, and Susannah Rhodes

Baptism: John Sykes of Drighlington was born circa 1699 (No appropriate baptisms in the parish records).

Marriage: John Sykes married Susannah Rhodes on February 2, 1730 in Birstall parish (BT). Susanna was born circa 1707.

Children:

1. John of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized 13 April 1731
   Death: John buried April 23, 1731
2. Hannah of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized on September 16, 1731.
3. Joseph Sykes (1734-??), Maltster, and Ann Esther Crouch
   Birth: Joseph of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized 1 September 1734
   Marriage: Ann Esther Crouch
   Children: See Joseph Sykes and Ann Esther Crouch under Sykes in Adwalton
4. John of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized June 1, 1736.
   Death: John was buried July 13, 1741.
5. Mary of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized July 19, 1738.
   Death: John and Mary, son and daughter of John Sykes of Drighlington were buried September 4, 1741.
6. Richard of John Sykes of Drighlington, baptized May 29, 1740.
   Death: Richard, the son of John Sykes of Drighlington was buried September 13, 1741.
7. John, of John Sykes of Drighlington, baptized January 3, 1741
   Death: John of John Sykes of Drighlington buried 14 July 1741
8. Lydia, of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized June 8, 1742.
   Death: Lydia, of John Sykes of Drighlington, buried February 23, 1747.
9. Mary of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized January 6, 1744.
   Death: Mary, of John Sykes of Drighlington, buried May 6, 1747.
10. Samuel, of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized June 21, 1744.
    Death: Samuel of John Sykes of Drighlington was buried February 10, 1747.
    Note: THE BAPSTISMS OF MARY AND SAMUEL ARE VERY CLOSE TOGETHER
11. John Sykes (1747-1814), Maltster, and Hannah Ellison
    Birth: John of John Sykes of Drighlington baptized August 10, 1747.
    Note: Tombstone inscription indicates that this was definitely the son of John and Susanna
    Marriage: John Sykes of Drighlington married Hannah Ellison of Hunsworth 1 June 1767. Both signed. Witnesses: Joseph Ellison and Benjamin Beaumont
    Children:
    1. Sarah daughter of John Sykes, Drighlington, maltster, age 22 buried 8 April, 1790
       Means she was born circa 1768
    Buried _____ of John Sykes Drighlington Maltster, October 15, 1777
    2. Hannah of John Sykes and Hannah Drighlington, Maltster, born Jan 4, 1778, christened Feb 8, 1778
    3. Nancy of John Sykes Drighlington Maltster, 24 December 1780
    4. Susannah of John Sykes Drighlington , no occupation, 26 October 1783
    5. Meriah of John Sykes Drighlington, maltster 23 April 1786
       Burial: Daughter of John Sykes of Drighlington, maltster, age 2, buried October 23, 1790
    Burial of Hannah Ellison Sykes: October 16, 1796, tombstone
    Burial of John Sykes: 25 April 1814, tombstone. John Sykes, labourer, Drighlington, buried April 29, 1814, age 67 (BT)
    
12. Joshua of John Sykes of Drighlington, May 1, 1749.
    Death: Joshua Sykes of Drighlington was buried November 29, 1787. No age given.
13. William of John Sykes of Drighlington June 3, 1749.
    Death: William, the son of John Sykes "late of Drighlington", was buried January 28, 1754. Note John Sykes was buried in 1799. There is no burial record for John Sykes close to 1754.
14. Susanna baptized January 30, 1754.
    Death: Susanna of John Sykes of Drighlington was buried August 24, 1765.

Death of John Sykes: John Sykes of Dringlington buried on November 28, 1799

SYKES

Sacred to the memory of JOHN SYKES of Drighlington
Who departed this live on the 24th Day of November 1779
In the 80th year of his life
Also, SUSANNA, wife of the above named JOHN SYKES
Who departed this life on the 22ND Day of September 1765
In the 58th year of her age
Also, here was interred the body of JOHN SYKES, son of the above parents
Who departed this life the 25th day of April 1814, in the 68th year of his age
Also of HANNAH, wife of the last named JOHN SYKES who died October 16, 1796, age 71 years

Children:

1. Martha of James Sykes of Drighlington baptized October 10, 1697

Sarah wife of James Sykes of D buried Feb 2, 1698/99

James Sykes (1682-1748) and Elizabeth Wood

Marriage: James Sykes of Drighlington married Elizabeth Wood in Birstall parish March 30, 1703 (YAS)

Children:

1. Samuel of James Sykes of D May 6, 1705
2. Solomon of James Sykes of D October 6, 1707
   Marriage: Solomon Sykes of Heckmondwike married Hannah Gill 28 February 1737
   Children:
   1. James of Solomon Sykes of Heckmondwike 18 May 1738
      James of Solomon Sykes of Heckmondwike buried June 2 1747
   2. John of Solomon Sykes of Heckmondwike 1 August 1740
   3. Samuel son of Solomon Sykes buried August 22, 1747
   Death of Solomon Sykes:
   Death of Hannah Gill Sykes:
3. Mary of James Sykes of D baptized October 29, 1710.
   Death: Mary daughter of James Sykes of D buried May 8, 1723
4. Abednego Sykes (1711-) and Ann Webster
   Birth: Abednego, son of James Sykes of Drighlington, baptized October 19, 1711.
   Marriage: Abednego Sykes to Ann Webster 25 January 1740 Brotherton, Yorkshire, IGI Children: Information on the descentants of Abednego Sykes was provided by Richard Sykes, April 2006
   1. Richard Sykes and Mary
      Birth: 27 Dec 1744, Brotherton
      Marriage: Mary
      Children:
      1. Richard Sykes and Jane Jackson
         Birth: 26 Dec 1773 Brotherton
         Marriage: Jane Jackson 1804 Pontefract
         Children:
         1. John Sykes and Elizabeth
            Birth: John Sykes Born 10th Jan 1809 Brotherton
            Marriage: Elizabeth
            Children:
            1. Joseph Sykes and Jane
               Birth: Joseph Sykes Born 24th Sep 1832 Brotherton
               Marriage: Jane
               Children:
               1. Tom Sykes and Elizabeth Brook
                  Birth: Tom Sykes Born 1875 Beverley East Riding
                  Marriage: Elizabeth Brook 10 Apr 1904 Castleford
                  Children:
                  1. Joseph Sykes and Ivy Caddick
                     Birth: Joseph William Sykes Born 29th April 1914 Castleford
                     Marriage: Ivy Caddick
                     Children:
                     1. Richard Sykes
                        Birth: Richard Sykes Born 28th Aug 1963 Wakefield
5. James of James Sykes of D buried February 16, 1721/22
6. James s James Sykes of D, October 8, 1722
   YAS Note: "James Sykes, adm sizar Peterhouse, Cambridge, 1740-41. School: Drighlington. Ordained deacon (Norwich) 1744-45, priest (Lincoln) 1748, vicar of Bradford, Yorks, 1752-83. Died 1783"

Death of James Sykes: John Sykes of Drighlington buried 20 September 1748.

Death of Elizabeth Wood Sykes: Elizabeth Sykes of Drighlington, widow, buried December 31, 1757.

Other Comments:

• The used of the names Solomon and Abednego indicates that this was a family who probably read the bible at home. Their son James was ordained in 1748.
• Shadrack Meshach and Abednego were friends of Daniel. They were ordered to worship false idols and when they refused they were thrown into a fiery furnace. However, they were miraculously saved for their faith in God. (Daniel 3).

• Hannah of James Sykes of Heckmondwike baptized 27 December 1728
• Mary of James sykes of Heckmondwike 13 october 1731
• _____ wife of James Sykes of Heckmondwike buried July 20 1734
• Jane daughter of James Sykes of Heckmondwike buried October 30, 1734

Here lies the body of JAMES SYKES of Drighlington
Who dyed the 26th of September 1748
In the 66 year of his age

STOP PASSENGER AND DROP A TEAR
AND THINK ON ME WHO NOW SLEEPS HERE
AND WHILST YOU READ THE STATE OF ME
THINK ON THE GLASS THAT RUNS FOR THEE
LET NOT THIS WORLD YOUR THOUGHTS BETRAY
BUT THINK UPON YOU DYING DAY

James Sykes (1693 or earlier) and Jane Emmerson of Drighlington

Baptism: No appropriate baptism in Birstall parish records.
Marriage: James Sykes of Drighlington married Jane Emmerson (No place) 13 December 1721.
Birth of Jane Emmerson Sykes: Circa 1693 not in Birstall parish
Children:

1. James, the son of James Sykes, buried February 16, 1722 (BT)
2. James Sykes (1722-1785) and Ann
   Birth: James, of James Sykes, baptized October 2, 1722 (BT)
   Marriage: Anne, unknown
   Children: ????
   Death of James Sykes, gent: Joseph Sykes of Drighlington, "gent", age 60, buried August 6, 1785 (BiBT).
   Death of Ann Sykes: Mrs. Ann Sykes of Drighlington widow age 63 buried 26 July 1792
   
3. Mary, of James Sykes of Drighlington, buried May 8, 1723 (BT).
4. Joseph Sykes (1724-1785) and Ann
   Birth: Joseph, of James Sykes of Drighlington, baptized April 7, 1724 (BT)
   Marriage: Anne
   Children:
   1. James and Susanna Sykes, Drighlington Maltster
      Birth: James of Joseph Sykes of Drighlington, baptized April 11, 1751
      Occupation: Maltster
      Marriage: Susannah. Not in Birstall parish
      Children:
      1. Lydia of James Sykes, maltster, and Susanna, of Drighlington baptized October 8, 1778
      2. Joseph of James Sykes Drighlington, Maltster, 29 June 1780
      3. George of Mr. James Sykes Drighlington, Maltster, 4 April 1782
         Death: George Sykes Drighlington, March 15, 1852, age 70 years (1782)
      4. Richard of James Sykes of Drighlington, Maltster, 14 April 1784
      5. Hannah of James Sykes Drighlington Maltster, 20 April 1786
      Death: James Sykes of Drighlington, age 45, was buried August 27, 1795 (BT). See tombstone inscription below.
   2. Thomas baptized August 31, 1752
      Death: buried September 21, 1752
   3. Joseph baptized June 6, 1754
      Death: buried August 27, 1754. See tombstone inscription below.
   4. Jane, the daughter of "Mr. Joseph Sykes of Drighlington" baptized June 30, 1755
      Death: Miss Jane Sykes of Drighlington, spinster, age 30, was buried ____24, 1785.
   5. Martha, the daughter of "Mr. Joseph Sykes of Drighlington" baptized July 24, 1757
   6. Ann, the daughter of "Mr. Joseph Sykes of Drighlington" baptized January 6, 1758
   7. Mary, daughter of Mr Joseph Sykes of Drighlington buried April 28, 1762
   8. Simeon, of Mr. Joseph Sykes was baptized May 10, 1763
      Death: Simeon, the son of Mr Joseph Sykes of Drighlington was buried May 26, 1763
   9. Sarah, of Mr Joseph Sykes of Dringlington, baptized July 12, 1764
   10. Ann of Mr Joseph Sykes of Drighlington, baptized September 1, 1765
   11. Samuel of Mr. Joseph Sykes of Dringlington, baptized March 8, 1770
       Further Records No marriage or children in Birstall parish records
       Death: Samuel Sykes of Drighlington, buried July 27, 1830 age 60

   Death of Joseph Sykes: 1785. See tombstone inscription below
   Death of Ann Sykes: 1792. See tombstone inscription below
5. Thomas, of James Sykes of Drighlington, baptized August 20, 1727 (BT)
   Death: Thomas of James Sykes of Drighlington buried August 22, 1727
6. Samuel of James Sykes of Drighlington, May 8, 1729 (BT).
   Marriage: ?
   Death: 1781. See tombstone inscription below
7. Jane, baptized March 7, 1732
   Death: Buried June 3, 1732 (BT)
8. Ann of James Sykes of Drighlington August 25, 1735
   Marriage: Anne Sykes of Drighlington married Thomas Lister, the younger of Salter-heaton Halifax, Shalloon maker, granted by James Sykes, surrogate. Witnesses: Samuel Sykes and George Margerison, 8 August 1764
9. Martha of James Sykes of Drighlington, 30 Dec 1737
   Marriage: Martha Sykes of Drighlington married Thomas Wormald, both of Drighlington, December 23, 1760. Witnesses, Hannah Walker and George Margerison (the parish clerk ?)

Death of James Sykes: Before 1763
Death of Jane Emmerson Sykes: Mrs. Jane Sykes, widow of Drighlington, was buried January 10, 1763.

Sacred to the memory of JOSEPH SYKES late of Drighlington, Gent.
Who departed this life September 3, 1785, age 60 years

AFFECTION WEEP, BUT HEAVEN REJOICES

Also, ANNA, his wife who departed the life the 23rd Day of July 1792 age 63 years

Died February 25, 1781 age 53

HEAVEN HAS IN STORE, WHAT WE HAVE LOST

Samuel Sykes Gentleman Born Circa 1727

According to the tombstone Samuel Sykes, Gentleman, was born circa 1727. There is no appropriate baptism in the parish records. There are no other records (marriage or children) in Birstall parish.

SYKES

In Memory of SAMUEL SYKES, Gentleman
Who departed this life on the 25th of February 1781 age 55 years

Joseph and Elizabeth Sykes Drighlington, Maltster

1. Thomas of Joseph and Elizabeth Sykes Drighlington Maltster, June 9, 1816
2. Susanna of Joseph and Elizabeth Sykes, Drighlington, maltster, May 17, 1820

No appropriate marriage in Birstall Parish.

1. Joseph of Joseph and Sarah Sykes, Drighlington Maltster Jan 6, 1823
2. Henry of Joseph and Sarah Sykes, Drighlington Maltster January 8, 1826
3. William Wilkenson of Joseph and Sarah Sykes, Drighlington Maltster October 18, 1827.
   Death: William Wilkenson Sykes died in Bowling October 7, 1865 age 41 (Drighlington Chapel deaths)
4. Samuel of Joseph and Sarah Sykes, Drighlington Maltster, born April 7 baptized May 16, 1830

Odd Records

1. Joseph Sykes of Drighlington was buried May 26, 1763

2. Nancy daughter of Joseph Sykes Drighlington "clothier", baptized 22 October 1786.

3. Elizabeth wife of Mr. Joseph Sykes of Drighlington buried February 17, 1819 age 41

4. James Sykes Drighlington, age 87 buried November 24, 1836 (1749)

5. Mary Sykes, Leeds, December 30, 1853, age 64 (1793) (Drighlington Chapel)

6. James Sykes, Halifax, September 24, 1859, 50 years (1809) (Drighlington Chapel)

7. Emma Sykes, Bradford, May 15, age 5, 1868 (Drighlington Chapel)

Sykes in Adwalton and Drighlington in the Leed's Directories

In the 1830 or 1834 directory, in the township of "Drighlington including Adwalton". There were 10 Sykes listed in Drighlington/Adwalton as follows:

1. James Sykes, Esq., Drighlington. note: He was the lord of the manor
2. Jph. Sykes, cardmaker and leather cutter, Drighlington
3. Jph. Sykes, vit. Fountain Inn, Drighlington
4. Samuel Sykes, Esq., Drighlington
5. &
6. Saml. and Jas. Sykes, Coal Owners, Drighlington
7. Geo. Sykes, Grocer, Adwalton
8. Joseph Sykes, Drighlington, maltster
9. Geo. Sykes, Maltster, Drighlington
10. Francis Sykes, Maltster, Adwalton

The 1842 directory listed three Sykes in Adwalton

1. Joseph, plumber and glazier
2. James, Coal Owner
3. Francis, Maltster

In the 1847 Directory listed inly one Sykes in Adwalton

1. George Sykes, maltster

The 1857 Leeds Directory listed four Sykes in Drighlington/Adwalton.

1. Benj. Sykes in Drighlington
2. George Sykes, Adwalton
3. Robert Brook Sykes, Adwalton
4. Robert Sykes, Adwalton

Sykes in the tax records in Drighlington (no separate breakdown for Adwalton)

I did not record every year. I only recorded when there was some change in the format or in the listings of one of the Sykes I was interested in. I did not pay a lot of attention to the various Mr. Sykes who were landlords. In many places the quality of the film is not good and the records are very hard to read.

In 1781 there were 88 taxable properties some of which appear to have been owned or rented by the same person paying taxes on more that one piece of property. The landlord was not listed. There were 6 listings for Sykes.

Benjamin Sykes 4/4
Mr. Samuel Sykes 2/10/1/2
Mr. Joseph Sykes own 1/2/9
Mr. Joseph Sykes for mill -/6/6
James Sykes own -/3/3
Widow Sykes for (can't read) 12/1

In 1782 there were 89 taxable properties. There were 7 listings for Sykes. The landlord was listed.

Benjamin Sykes 4/4 from William Tempest
Mr. Samuel Sykes 2/10/1/2 himself
Mr. Joseph Sykes own 1/2/9 himself
Mr. Joseph Sykes for mill -/6/6 himself
James Sykes own -/3/3 himself
Widow Sykes for (can't read) 12/1 himself
Joseph Sykes from ____ Sykes 3/3

By 1786 there were some changes for the Sykes

Benjamin Sykes 4/4 from William Tempest stayed the same.
Mr. Samuel Sykes was no longer listed instead there was a listing for James Sykes and Company landlord, Mr Hoston (?).
Mr. Joseph Sykes was no longer listed.
James Sykes own -/3/3 himself was still listed
Widow Sykes for (can't read) 12/1 herself still listed
Mr. James Sykes was added at -/7/7 nothing listed in the landlord space.

By 1799 the number of taxable properties had increased to 128.

Benjamin Sykes was still listed.
The estate of James Sykes, themselves
Mr. James Sykes, himself and letting to several others and for the mill and coal mine.
Mr. James Sykes letting to William Booth and John Spright
Mr. Samuel Sykes, themselves
(Can't read) Sykes from Henry Reston
The Widow Sykes from Henry Reston

Francis Sykes was listed for the first time in 1798 landlord, Mr. Thomas Gomersall. Note: The listing for 1798 came after 1799 Benjamin Sykes was not listed and Francis Sykes was not listed in 1799. William Tempest was not listed in 1798 either.

1800

Benjamin Sykes was not listed
Francis Sykes was listed twice. Once letting from Thomas Gomersall the other time from Mary Hudson.

By 1826 when the form changed and added the type of property the number of taxable properties had increased to 142.

In addition to the "Mr. Sykes" there were the following listings for Sykes
"Formaly (sic) John Joseph Sykes and others work shop" £3/0
Joseph Sykes house -/1/-
(can't read) John Joseph Sykes and others house and land
Joseph Sykes and others, house and land -/13/2
Joseph Sykes land -/7/6
Susanna Sykes and others, house £2/9
Francis Sykes land £12/9
James Sykes Esquire, house and land -/16/6