This map shows the distribution of the CLOSE surname in the mid-19th Century:

In 1851 the ‘hotspots’ (dark brown) were the registration districts of
Reeth, Wigan, Stamford and Stroud.
Close family gathering 1974

Pictured above is a CLOSE family gathering in Horwich, Lancashire, to celebrate the golden wedding of Stanley & Emma CLOSE in 1974. Front L to R: Stanley Sumner CLOSE (1896-1984), his wife Emma, née INGRAM (1899-1977), daughter Amy (CLOSE) HARRISON (1925-1996), her husband Tom HARRISON (1915-?), Stanley’s half-sister Elizabeth Ann CLOSE (1888-1983); Back L to R: Stanley’s sister Edith Magdaline (CLOSE) SOUTHWORTH (1903-1975), her husband John SOUTHWORTH (1905-1992), Stanley’s cousin James CLOSE (1900-1971), Emily (JOHNSON) CLOSE (1906-1998), Emily’s husband (Stanley’s second cousin) Clifford CLOSE 1903-1981).

James Close (1900-1971) outside the family grocer’s shop 1929
James Close (1856-1938)

Left is the CLOSE family shop at 2 Southern Terrace, Lostock, Lancashire, where James, his parents and sister carried on a grocery and catering business. The advertising board to the left of the shop door matches two entries from James Close’s diary:

“Thurs. 11th April 1929.  The Kent Flying Tours came to the ground near Old Oak, for 12 days, giving flights to the public at 5/- each.

Thurs. 18th April 1929.  Mr. Kent gave me a free flight for advertising for him.  I was in the air 8½ minutes.”

Pictured above right is James’ father, also named James CLOSE (1856-1938).

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