 Our ties to the Isle of Man comes through Charles and Ann Cowley, from a small farm called The Close, which is located near Kirk Michael, in the NW part of the island. Property documents indicate that the Close was originally deeded to John Cowley around 1730 (I need to do a bit more research here). There is a map at the IOM Library with a section called, Close e Cowley (interpreted this means Cowley's enclosure). It was deeded as a Lyre, with the imperial area measurements, of 1 acre, 2 rods and 33 perches. While researching the use of the word 'close' I found that the definition indicated that a close was a small farm or enclosed field area, usually enclosed by the use of stone fences or walls. The Cowley Close was passed down through the family for several generations. When Charles and Ann left the Isle of Man for America, Charles sold the Close to his brother, William. It seems that at some time between 1850 and the early 1900's, it was abandoned. To go there today, there is not much left to see, a partial chimney and some stone wall are all that remain. But the view from the foundation of the house overlooking the valley is breath-taking. Note: When I can get them, I will put some pictures here. I am aware of two visits to the Close from which pictures are available. The first visit was made by Aunt Viela sometime in 1975 and the second by my sister Charlene and our cousin Lynne.
This site is maintained by Steven Cowley.
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08/29/99